Zika Virus Infection in Florida (USA) (Update)
10 Jan 2017
On the 28 December 2016 the Florida Department of Health (FDoH) reported
3 new locally acquired cases of zika virus infection (ZIKV) in Miami-Dade County.
The FDoH is investigating to determine where the ZIKV exposure occurred; they also advised that Florida does not have any identified areas with active Zika transmission.
At the time of the report a total of 1286 ZIKV cases had been recorded in Florida, of which 256 were locally acquired, 19 were undetermined and the majority (1011 cases) were travel related.
Please refer to the Health Protection Scotland ZIKV transmission table to determine the current risk category of any given country/territory/area:
Advice for Travellers
ZIKV is most commonly spread by mosquito bites, but there is also a risk of sexual transmission. There is a link between ZIKV infection and babies being born with birth defects.
- All travellers should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance, at all times.
- All travellers should have adequate travel insurance.
- Always refer to current advice on the ZIKV Infection page, which includes how to avoid sexual transmission of ZIKV.
- Pregnant women should postpone non-essential travel to countries or areas with High risk of ZIKV transmission.
- Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to countries or areas with Moderate risk of ZIKV transmission.
- Travellers that develop any feverish illness whilst travelling or on return should seek medical attention quickly.
- An individual risk assessment is advisable for pregnant women travelling to low risk areas.