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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Zika

Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County

Zika in Florida 

Zika fever is a mild febrile illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus 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.

Information on Limited Local Transmissions

There are no areas of ongoing, active transmission of Zika by mosquitoes in Florida. All previous Zika zones in the following areas of Miami-Dade County have been lifted after 45 days with no evidence of active transmission and no additional people infected. It is not uncommon, however, for there to be isolated incidents of locally acquired Zika.

The department continues to closely monitor the status of Zika virus in Florida and take action to keep Floridians, especially pregnant women, safe. If the department identifies any areas of concern, the public and the media will be notified.

  • Wynwood (zone lifted Sept. 19, 2016)
  • North Miami Beach (zone lifted Nov. 22, 2016)
  • Little River (zone lifted Dec. 2, 2016)
  • South Miami Beach (zone lifted Dec. 9, 2016)

The department advises residents and visitors to Miami-Dade County to remain vigilant about mosquito bite protection by draining all sources of standing water to keep mosquitoes from breeding and by wearing bug repellent.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated Miami-Dade County as a cautionary area. For CDC guidance on traveling to South Florida, especially if you are pregnant, please click here.

Information on the department’s investigation and testing process is available here.