Zika Virus Spreads to Miami Beach, Prompting Warnings

As the fear of Zika virus infections continues to plague Florida, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on August 19 that "pregnant women should not travel to an area of Miami Beach where local Zika virus transmission has been confirmed."

This is the second area in Miami that has been identified as being "at risk" for active transmission of the virus. The Florida Department of Health announced that five locally transmitted cases have been confirmed as connected to the Miami Beach area.

The CDC further advised that the sexual partners of pregnant women refrain from visiting the area. Pregnant women are at the highest risk due to identification of birth defects in babies born to mothers who have contracted the illness. As Dr. Tom Frieden, CDC director, states, "The risk is low, but the outcome is so horrific, you really want to try to avoid it."

Florida Governor Rick Scott noted, "There are 36 locally transmitted cases of the virus and 20.6 million people living in the state," requesting that the public put this issue in perspective. 

The CDC is aiding Florida with test and prevention kits to assist with transmission identification and prevention.