Florida Department of Health on the Zika Virus:
“Zika fever is a mild febrile illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus is similar to those that cause dengue and West Nile virus infection.
Zika virus has been linked to serious birth defects, including microcephaly, when contracted by expectant mothers during pregnancy. Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly.
Zika virus has been identified in several countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean since 2015. Outbreaks have previously been reported in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Local transmission has been reported in Puerto Rico and Florida. Cases of Zika fever have been reported in travelers returning to the United States.” Florida Department of Health, 2017.
Information on Limited Local Transmissions
There have been 29 cases of Zika, most travel related, in the State of Florida for 2017. Three of those cases have been close to the Sarasota/Manatee area. As rainy season has not yet started Zika spread is not shown the same numbers that are possible once standing water becomes more common.
The Florida Health department continues to closely monitor the status of Zika virus in Florida and act to keep Floridians, especially pregnant women, safe. For additional information on preventing mosquito bites please click on the link listed below. At Frontline Property Services our goal is to help in your prevention efforts against this pest born illness. Please see our services page on the seasonal mosquito treatments we offer & call today for our special of a free mosquito service when you sign up with one of our yearly services.
http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/zika-virus/index.html?utm_source=flhealthIndex