As of today, there are 35 cases in the U.S. of the Zika virus, a mosquito-carried disease that as been linked to birth defects. There have been a total of 16 cases in Florida, including six in Miami-Dade County and two in Broward County. None of the cases were locally transmitted; the individuals contracted the disease while traveling. None of the local cases involved pregnant women.
But because Zika is a disease carried by mosquitoes, state and national health authorities are issuing guidelines for reducing exposure to the mosquitoes, which can also carry West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever and other diseases.
“A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes,” according to a statement from the Florida Department of Health. “State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small.”
