The Florida Department of Health has reported one travel-associated case of Zika virus in Santa Rosa County. The SRC case is one of nine total travel-associated cases in the state, according to the press release.
These cases are believed to have been contracted outside of the state, according to the press release.
“While the (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has not identified Florida as an area for local Zika risk, the Florida Department of Health is closely monitoring (the) imported disease,” the department stated.
The CDC has briefed Governor Rick Scott and State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong on the status of the Zika virus.
Armstrong is confident the state will be able to handle Zika.
“Florida has many years of success in containing other mosquito-borne diseases and emerging health treats,” Armstrong said. “Through these experiences, the department remains ready to protect residents and visitors from the Zika virus.”
The SRC Public Information Office reports county mosquito technicians are currently monitoring mosquito traps and treating standing water, including holding ponds with larvicide. A PIO press release states spraying for adult mosquitoes generally begins in March or April, when outside temperatures consistently stay above 60 degrees.
Residents are encourages to help reduce the mosquito population by draining flower pots, watering cans, food bowls, and any container that holds water. Moist leaves and organic matter can also provide a perfect environment for mosquito larvae. Cleaning gutters and raking leaves could assist in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, according the PIO office.
County officials are also encouraged to report areas of standing water, like an abandoned swimming pools, by calling (850) 981-7135.
Residents are encouraged to reduce or eliminate any outdoor activity in the dusk to dawn timeframe which is when mosquitoes are most active. Should residents be outside, they are encouraged to wear light-colored clothing including long sleeves and pants. Applying mosquito repellent on exposed skin and clothing is also encouraged.
According to the CDC, the most common symptoms for the Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (commonly referred to as ‘pink eye’ or ‘red eye’).
“The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week,” according to the CDC website. “Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.”
The website said there have been reports of serious birth defects of the brain called microcephaly, a condition in which the baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies born of the same sex and age, and other poor pregnancy outcomes in newborns of mothers who were infected with the virus while pregnant.
In addition to taking preventative precautions against mosquito bites, the CDC recommends pregnant women postponing any traveling plans to areas where the virus has been reported.
For more information on SRC mosquito control visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/mosquito. For information on Zika virus, visit the Florida Department of Health, www.floridahealth.gov.
ONLINE: For more information on SRC mosquito control visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/mosquito. For information on Zika virus, visit the Florida Department of Health, www.floridahealth.gov.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Health Department reports one travel-associated Zika case in Santa Rosa County