Department of Health

Investigating Possible Non-Travel Related Case Of Zika In Broward County

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today the Florida Department of Health announced that it is conducting an epidemiological investigation into a possible non-travel related case of Zika virus in Broward County. The investigation into the possible case in Miami-Dade County is ongoing.

The department is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will share additional details as they become available. Zika prevention kits and repellant will be available at DOH-Broward and distributed in the area under investigation. The department is also coordinating with local OBGYNs for distribution of the kits. Zika kits are intended for pregnant women. The department continues to work closely with mosquito control to ensure trapping, reduction and prevention activities are conducted in the area of investigation.

At the direction of Governor Rick Scott, State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip has requested that CDC provide assistance in our investigation and response efforts by sending a medical epidemiologist to Florida to help our continued investigation into possible non-travel related Zika infection.

Residents and visitors are urged to participate in requests for blood and urine samples by the department in the areas of investigation. These results will help the department determine the number of people affected.

Residents and visitors are reminded that the best way to protect themselves is to prevent mosquito bites through practicing good drain and cover methods:

DRAINstanding water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVERskin with clothing or repellent

• CLOTHING - Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• REPELLENT - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
  • EPA-approved repellent is safe for pregnant women to use.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVERdoors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

The department continues to issue daily updates each week day at 2 p.m. Updates include a CDC-confirmed Zika case count by county and information to better keep Floridians prepared.

For more information on Zika virus, click here.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.