Gov. Rick Scott is making sure Florida stays ahead of the curve this year when it comes to the Zika virus.
On Monday, Scott held a roundtable with the Florida Department of Health in Miami to talk about how Florida was planning on handling the transmission of the virus which swept through the state, infecting over 1,600 people last year.
Scott was joined by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Dr. Lillian Rivera of the Miami-Dade Health Department and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip.
Mosquitoes began transmitting the Zika virus in Florida last summer, with the primary source of infections occurring in the Miami-Dade area. Florida and the Centers for Disease Control worked overtime to eradicate the virus, which can cause birth defects in unborn babies.
Eighty percent of people infected with the virus show no symptoms.
"We don't know everything about Zika yet in terms of how the exposure to the babies might result in longer term affects, so those are all another area where we're still learning," Dr. Philip said.
Far fewer cases of Zika have been reported this year compared to last spring. Broward County currently has the highest number of travel-related Zika cases this year, with 10 reported cases so far.
“Florida has only had two isolated cases of local Zika transmission this year and there are not currently any identified areas with active Zika transmission, which is good news,” Scott said Monday. “However, it is crucial that we continue to work together to remain vigilant and take precautions to stay ahead of this virus.”
The governor said the Miami-Dade mosquito control operations had added staff since last year in anticipation of handling another outbreak.
Florida’s climate is conducive to mosquito breeding, especially during the summer and in Hurricane Season when the state experiences heavy rainfall.
Scott advised residents to remain vigilant in protecting themselves against the Zika virus and to take preventative measures to ward off the pesky bugs.
“I urge all Floridians to remember to eliminate any standing water around your homes, businesses and communities, and to wear bug spray to prevent mosquito bites,” said the governor. “It is also important to protect yourself if you travel outside of Florida to an area with Zika virus.”
Scott said Florida would be well-prepared for another round of the Zika virus should Florida experience another outbreak.
“Last year, our aggressive actions helped lift the previous Zika zones in Wynwood, Little River and Miami Beach,” he said. “This year, we stand ready to once again do all we can to protect Florida’s families, visitors and communities.”
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
