Florida Gov. Rick Scott confirmed Friday that the Zika virus is being spread locally by mosquitoes in Miami Beach, reports WaPo, after his office said the opposite on Thursday.
"We believe we have a new area where local transmissions are occurring in Miami Beach,” Scott said at a noon press conference. The suspect zone covers about 1.5 square miles between 8th and 28th streets, and between the beach and the intracoastal waterway -- a stretch that encompasses the city's central tourist area.
Health officials said at least five people have been infected with Zika there, including two who live in Miami Beach. One person from Texas, one from New York and another from Taiwan each have returned home but were infected while traveling in Miami Beach.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a travel advisory this afternoon, saying pregnant women should also avoid the designated area of Miami Beach.
"We're in the midst of mosquito season and expect more Zika infection in the days and months to come," CDC director Tom Frieden said in announcing the expanded travel advisory.
According to WaPo, the transmission zone encompasses the Miami Beach Convention Center, which is set to host the Asia America Trade Show for vendors around the world starting Sunday.
According to WaPo, on Thursday, Gov. Scott's office adamantly disputed reports that mosquitoes were transmitting Zika in Miami Beach, despite multiple health officials telling reporters that indeed was the case.
-RW
It's like the mayor from jaws.
ReplyDeleteOne of the many benefits of open borders. Public health is so last century.
ReplyDelete