Mosquitoes are now transmitting the Zika virus in Florida, Florida officials confirmed Friday.
Four people -- three men and one woman -- have been infected with the virus in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, which is the first known instance of the virus being transmitted through mosquitoes in the country.
The Florida Department of Health said the virus was likely spread by mosquitoes in a small part of the downtown Miami area.
This is the only area of the state officials are researching at the present moment.
“While no mosquitos trapped tested positive for the Zika virus, the department believes these cases were likely transmitted through infected mosquitoes in this area,” the department said in a statement.
Local borne mosquito infection means Floridians could be infected with the virus in their own backyards.
The Zika virus causes symptoms like a mild fever and a skin rash which is usually accompanied by joint pain. The virus is not particularly dangerous, but presents severe complications if pregnant women become infected since the virus can lead to microcephaly, which can cause severe birth defects in children.
Eighty percent of those infected have no symptoms.
Florida has taken a more aggressive approach to preventing the Zika virus due to its proximity to areas where the virus is more prevalent. Gov. Rick Scott has devoted state and local resources to fighting the virus, setting aside over $26 million in state funds for Zika preparedness.
“Just like with a hurricane, we have worked hard to stay ahead of the spread of Zika and prepare for the worst, even as we hope for the best,” said Gov. Scott. “Now that Florida has become the first state to have a local transmission, likely through a mosquito, we will continue to put every resource available to fighting the spread of Zika in our state.”
Gov. Scott said he would also continue to travel throughout the state to speak with local leaders and ports as well as airports to make sure all bases are covered to protect Floridians against the virus.
The governor ordered the DOH to immediately begin contracting with commercial pest control companies to increase spraying and mosquito abatement efforts in the affected area.
Scott also directed a local blood bank to establish a blood screening process to test each individual for the Zika virus.
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said the state would continue its efforts to support mosquito control programs across Florida.
Florida's newest infections could turn on the heat on Congress to fund Zika prevention. President Obama requested nearly $2 billion for Zika prevention earlier this year, but Washington congressmen weren't able to reach an agreement on the Zika funding. Congress is currently in recess until after Labor Day.
The Zika virus outbreak began last year. Since then, 64 countries have reported mosquito-borne transmission. Brazil, the site of the 2016 Summer Olympics, has the highest number of infections, with over 1,700 cases of microcephaly in the South American country.
Florida currently has 96 cases of the Zika virus as of July 28.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
