The Zika virus is back in the Sunshine State.
On Thursday, Florida health officials reported the first local transmission of the Zika virus from a mosquito, the first case of its kind this year.
The health department reported one local case on the west coast of Florida in Manatee County, south of the Tampa Bay area.
According to officials, the case resulted after a Florida couple traveled to Cuba. Upon their return to the U.S., one of the people became ill in a manner consistent with the Zika virus, which spread throughout the state in high numbers last year.
Health officials said a mosquito in or near the couple’s home bit the infected partner and then transmitted the infection to the other person.
After the case was reported earlier this month, the Mosquito Control District and a helicopter came in to spray the area to rid the vicinity of possible infection.
This is the first case of local transmission in 2017 -- last year, the virus began being transmitted locally, specifically in the Miami Beach area, a hot tourist destination in of one of Florida’s most populous cities.
Despite the lack of local transmission, Floridians have still become infected with the Zika virus. A total of 187 infections have been recorded in the Sunshine State this year, with over half -- 107 cases -- being reported in pregnant women.
The virus, which causes Dengue fever-like symptoms, is generally fairly mild but can be particularly problematic for pregnant women, whose fetuses can suffer birth defects and microcephaly if they are infected with the virus.
State officials contend there is still no active transmission occurring despite the new case.
Last year, 296 cases of Zika were locally acquired.
Last December, Gov. Rick Scott declared Florida “Zika-free,” clear of active transmission zones.
The Centers for Disease Control lift a Zika transmission zone after 45 days pass without someone getting the virus in the given area.
The South Beach transmission zone was the last zone to be lifted since the virus began actively spreading in July 2016.
Scott set aside $36 million in state funds to spray against the virus last summer, but pushed the federal government to step in to do its part to ward off Zika.
Health officials said although they didn’t fear the virus spreading, it was important for local residents to remain watchful and do their part to prevent any more infections.
“While we do not have any area of ongoing, active transmission of Zika at this time, it is important for residents and visitors to remain vigilant,” the Florida Health Department said. “This single case is a prudent reminder of that. Everyone should do their part to eliminate breeding sites by draining or dumping standing water. We should all also wear repellent or cover skin with clothing to prevent mosquito bites.”
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
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