CDC: South Beach, FL, no longer local Zika transmission area

No new cases of local Zika virus transmission have been identified in the previously designated area of South Miami Beach, FL, for more than 45 days, suggesting that the risk of Zika virus infection is no longer greater than in the rest of Miami-Dade County, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced today. The area is no longer considered an area of active Zika virus transmission (red area); it is now designated as a Zika cautionary area (yellow area), like the rest of the county, the agency said. “Florida’s rapid response and comprehensive mosquito control program has allowed them to interrupt Zika transmission, but we must stay vigilant and also take what we have learned and be prepared for next season,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D. “Pregnant women who live or have been to this area should continue to be evaluated for Zika exposure during their prenatal visits to prevent the devastating effects Zika can cause in their infants.” Zika infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other severe brain defects in fetuses and infants. As of Dec. 7, CDC’s ArboNET has reported 185 locally acquired cases of the mosquito-borne virus, one in Texas and the rest in Florida. Nearly 4,400 travel-associated cases also have been reported in the continental United States and Hawaii. The Health Resources and Services Administration yesterday awarded $40 million to health centers and primary care associations in Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands to expand access to Zika-related primary care and prevention in the territories.