OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health said central Florida has seen its first case of the Zika virus.
The latest Osceola County case is travel-related, like the other 13 reported in the state.
Health officials would not say the affected person’s gender or age.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott called a state of emergency in Miami-Dade, Lee, Santa Rosa, and Hillsborough counties this week because of the virus.
Broward and St. Johns counties each had one reported case.
None of the confirmed cases in Florida involve pregnant women.
Osceola County leaders said the county is maintaining a heightened state of surveillance and putting out some species-specific traps that are more attractive to the mosquitos that could carry Zika.
Natasha Sagi is visiting Orlando from Dubai and said she said warning signs about the virus on her Disney cruise ship.
“There’s not much you can do. It’s a mosquito. Stand in the wind, put some essential oils on and hope for the best,” Sagi said.
SeaWorld said it plans to stay in contact with state, local and federal health officials to determine the most appropriate course of action.
State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zika fever illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain.
CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.
More Info: Zika Virus FAQ
Cox Media Group
