The Florida Department of Health has cleared part of the area of downtown Miami impacted by the Zika virus, Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday.
The Department of Health concluded no local transmissions are currently occurring in the area, which was located in the Wynwood neighborhood of downtown Miami.
The CDC will continue to monitor the entire one square mile area in Miami.
Scott spent the day walking around Wynwood, meeting with local business owners and residents to let them know the state would be doing all it could to combat the virus.
The Zika virus causes Dengue Fever-like symptoms and is generally not life-threatening but poses a significant risk for pregnant women whose fetuses can develop microcephaly and have birth defects as a result of the virus.
Florida has been the heaviest hit by the Zika virus nationwide, partially due to its proximity to Caribbean nations and humid climate, which is a breeding ground for mosquitos in the summertime. In July, Scott announced the virus had come to Miami via mosquitos, the first cases of mosquito-borne transmission in the U.S.
"I am hopeful that we will be able to continue to clear other areas in the one square mile as testing continues," said Scott. "Even though this is good news, we are still aggressively spraying for mosquitos and testing residents. If we learn that we have to expand the zone again or add additional zones in the future, we will take all precautions to notify the public."
Despite remaining positive on the outcome of the virus' spread, Scott continued to ask the CDC to provide resources to protect Floridians from the virus.
Among the governor's requests were an additional 10,000 Zika prevention kits for pregnant women and a detailed plan from President Barack Obama on how his administration wants Florida to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on requesting emergency response funds.
Scott requested a plan over two months ago but did not receive a response.
"When I first requested this plan on June 1st, I asked for a response by June 15th before we had any local transmissions. That time has passed and it is imperative that we get a response from the federal government. I have also reiterated my request for funding for additional spraying, lab support and staff.
"While we will continue to put resources anywhere and everywhere they are needed, we hope the federal government will fulfill our additional requests and be a good partner in this fight."
Earlier this year, President Obama proposed $2 billion in Zika prevention funding, but federal lawmakers were unable to reach a deal on a final number and the preparedness fund has yet to be filled.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen
