August 22, 2016 | Most of you are well aware of the Zika virus transmission that has been on our radar the last several months. However, most of you have probably forgotten about it.
According to the CDC, the Zika virus transmission has spread in southern Florida. Investigation has revealed a new area of active transmission in a 1.5-square-mile section of Miami Beach. In addition, FL DOH has identified multiple other individual instances of mosquito-borne Zika virus infection and an increase in travel-related cases.
Does this apply to me?
Possibly. This guidance applies to pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and their partners who live in or traveled to Miami Beach after July 14, 2016. Investigations are still underway for all other areas of Miami-Dade County.
If you’re pregnant you should:
- Avoid travel to the area of Miami Beach.
- Be aware of the active Zika virus transmission.
- Follow steps to prevent mosquito bites.
You can click here for further information on the prevention of mosquito bites. Here are some other recommendations to take note of:
- Women and men who live in or who have traveled to the designated area of Miami Beach since July 14, 2016, should be aware of active Zika virus transmission, and those who have a pregnant sex partner should consistently and correctly use condoms or other barriers to prevent infection during sex or not have sex for the duration of the pregnancy. The same recommendation applies for women and men who live in or who have traveled to the designated area in Wynwood since June 15,2016.
- All pregnant women in the United States should be assessed for possible Zika virus exposure and signs or symptoms consistent with Zika virus disease at each prenatal care visit. Women with ongoing risk of possible Zika virus exposure include those who live in or frequently travel to the designated areas of Miami Beach and Wynwood due to the possibility of active Zika virus transmission. Women with limited risk of Zika virus exposure include those who traveled to the designated areas of Miami Beach and Wynwood or had sex without using condoms or other barrier methods to prevent infection by a partner who lives in or traveled to the designated areas of Miami Beach and Wynwood. Each prenatal evaluation should include an assessment of signs and symptoms of Zika virus disease (acute onset of fever, rash, arthralgia, conjunctivitis), travel history, and sexual exposure to determine whether Zika virus testing is indicated. Limitations of laboratory tests used to diagnose Zika virus infection should also be discussed with pregnant women and their partners.
We will keep you updated as more information is made available. Have a great day!