The number of Zika cases in the Miami-Dade area continues to rise as mosquitos continue transmitting the virus locally, according to reports from the Department of Health.
Gov. Rick Scott has prioritized handling the virus and meeting with statewide and local officials as new cases emerged this week.
Just last month, four people in the downtown Miami area had become infected due to mosquito bites, and that number has continued to rise in recent weeks.
A total of 25 people have become infected locally as of Thursday morning.
Local transmissions are limited to a small one-square mile radius in the Wynwood area of Miami, which is popular with tourists due to its mural-laden walls and hip atmosphere.
Since the news of mosquito-borne transmission, the vibrant Wynwood walls are shrouded with the possibility of contracting the dangerous virus, which poses significant problems for pregnant women since the virus can cause microcephaly and birth defects in unborn children.
On Thursday, Scott announced the DOH had cleared an additional part of the Wynwood area, which is the only suspected part of Miami where active Zika transmission is occurring.
The clearing, though not a complete solution to the ongoing problem, is a small step in the right direction, Scott said.
"Last week, we were able to clear a 10 block portion of the area and today, it’s great to announce that we are able to clear an additional four blocks," the governor said Thursday. "This means the area where we believe active transmissions are occurring in the state is significantly reducing."
The governor has made Zika preparedness and eradication one of his top efforts in recent months, meeting with state and local officials to discuss ways to handle the virus, especially in the Miami area where it has thrived the most.
Florida has set aside $26 million in state funds to fight off Zika, with over $18 million of that money going to state and local entities for mosquito prevention and control.
Despite what Scott sees as a step in the right direction, there's still a sense of frustration lingering over Zika since Congress has refused to reach an agreement and come to Florida's aide with a Zika package.
Neither the Obama administration nor Congress has passed Zika funding, despite the possibility lingering for most of 2016.
The federal government has been slow on the uptake, though, even as the number of Zika cases continues to rise. In February, Obama requested nearly $2 billion for prevention measures.
Support for the funding came from both sides of the aisle. U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson both lobbied for Congress to pass the package, fearing Florida would be hit the hardest by the virus.
“The president and Congress must work together to get to a solution for all the families across our nation," said Gov. Scott on the funding.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also called for Congress to rally in support of Zika funding.
"I would very much urge the leadership of Congress to call people back for a special session and get a bill passed," she said in Miami this week.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
