The Zika virus has made its way to the Miami Beach area, heightening fears over the spread of the virus in the Sunshine State.
On Friday, the Florida Department of Health learned through an investigation that five already confirmed cases of Zika virus are connected to the Miami Beach area, spreading the scope and location of the infection zone to the South Beach Area, a hot tourist destination in of one of Florida’s most populous cities.
Two of those cases already lived in Miami Beach, while others were from New York, Texas and Taiwan. All traveled to Miami Beach.
The Center for Disease Control has expanded its travel advisory Friday afternoon, warning pregnant women to stay away from Miami Beach.
"We're in the midst of mosquito season and expect more Zika infection in the days and months to come," CDC director Tom Frieden. "It's difficult but important that pregnant women make every effort to avoid mosquito bites and avoid going to areas where Zika is spreading."
The department believes active transmission of the virus is only occurring in a very controlled part of the Miami Beach area between 8th and 28th streets, an area which spans near the Miami Beach Convention Center and part of South Beach.
The first cases of locally-transmitted Zika were happening west of the Miami Beach area in the Wynwood section of downtown Miami. The DOH has worked on clearing sections of Wynwood of the virus in recent weeks and has tested thousands of mosquitos for the Zika virus in that area.
“The ability to continue reducing that area where we believe local transmission is occurring shows that our efforts to aggressively spray for mosquitos and educate the public are working,” said Gov. Scott on the clearing of parts of Wynwood.
The total number of local transmissions of the Zika virus is now at 36, with over 370 cases of the virus statewide.
On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott canceled an appearance in Tampa for a jobs announcement, instead dedicating his entire day to appearing throughout the Miami area to meet with local officials to discuss the virus, which has swept through Florida over the last six months.
The virus, which causes Dengue fever-like symptoms, is particularly problematic for pregnant women, whose fetuses can suffer birth defects and microcephaly if they are infected with the virus.
In the advent of Friday’s news, Scott called for an additional 5,000 Zika antibody tests to make sure the department can quickly test people for the virus.
Scott also harped on his call to the Obama Administration, asking the federal government for an extra 10,000 Zika prevention kits. Florida, says Scott, also needs a detailed plan on how to work with FEMA now that the virus has become mosquito-borne.
Friday’s news is especially problematic for the Miami-Dade region, which thrives on tourism much like the rest of the state. Hotels, restaurants, and local attractions in the Miami-Dade area are being connected with state departments for Zika prevention and education.
But Florida is a resilient state, said Scott, and is ready to overcome any obstacle in its way.
“In Florida, we know how to prepare,” said Scott. We prepare for storms every summer and we have prepared for Zika since our first travel-related case in February. We have already authorized over $26 million in state funds and we will continue to allocate whatever is needed. We are making every resource available to ensure Miami, and our entire state, remains safe for every family and visitor.”
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
