Florida health officials reported on four additional travel-associated Zika virus infections today, three from Alachua County and one in Brevard County. This brings the state total to 66.
Of the cases confirmed in Florida, seven cases are still exhibiting symptoms. According to the CDC, symptoms associated with the Zika virus last between seven to 10 days. No local transmission of Zika has occurred in Florida to date.
Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott announced that the CDC will host a second conference call with Florida health care workers – including OBGYNS, doctors and those who work with pregnant women – on the CDC’s most recent update and guidance regarding Zika. The CDC call will take place this afternoon and the department has shared information with health care workers on how to participate.
The Florida Department of Health says travelers to a tropical or sub-tropical area (Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America), can protect themselves from Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases by following these prevention suggestions:
- Use insect repellant with any of the following active ingredients
- DEET (up to 30%)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Para-menthane diol
- Always follow product label instructions and make sure repellent is age-appropriate.
- It is safe for pregnant or nursing women to use EPA-approved repellants if applied according to package label instructions.
- Apply repellent on bare skin or clothing, not under clothing.
- Cover skin with long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Apply a permethrin repellent directly to clothing or purchase pre-treated clothing. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and do not apply directly to the skin.
- Keep mosquitoes out of hotel rooms
- Choose a hotel or lodging with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors.
- Sleep under a mosquito bed net when outside or in a room that is not screened.
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