ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — 2 new cases of the Zika virus reported in Florida, according to the Florida Health Department.
That brings the total number of cases in the state to 44
All cases are still associated with travel.
As of today, two new Zika cases have been confirmed in Miami-Dade County. Of the travel-related cases confirmed in Florida, only five cases are still exhibiting symptoms. According to the CDC, symptoms associated with the Zika virus last between seven to 10 days.
Officials urge residents to drain standing water weekly.
The type of mosquito the county is worried about is a container breeder, which is why officials are looking at illegal dump sites to clean up.
“This mosquito is kind of unique since it only produces in containers. So we’re doing a little bit extra, and mostly that’s getting to the public the message that they can make a difference,” said Chris Richmond, of Brevard County Mosquito Control.
The county is also cleaning up areas at the end of Satellite Boulevard to remove potential mosquito breeding grounds.
Officials said that detecting Zika through the Sentinel Chicken Program really isn’t an option.
In most people, the virus is mild, with symptoms like low-grade fever, rash and joint pain.
But an association has been made between the virus and an increase in the number of newborns with a rare neurological condition in countries experiencing Zika virus outbreaks.
In addition to cleanup and treatment efforts, the county is spreading the work on how residents can protect themselves from mosquito borne illness.
More Info: Zika virus FAQ
County:
Number of Cases (all travel related)
1
Brevard
1
Broward
6
Hillsborough
3
Lee
3
Miami-Dade
19
Orange
3
Osceola
1
Santa Rosa
1
Seminole
1
St. Johns
1
Cases involving pregnant women*
4
Total
44