Florida Hits 50 Zika Cases, Most In South Florida

Florida is up to 50 cases ofZikavirus, including six in Central Florida.

That’s with two new South Florida infections added Monday to the Florida Department of Health’s list. None of the cases originated in Florida, but instead came from people who traveled outside the continental U.S.

Health officials fear an outbreak in Florida because the mosquito that spreads the virus is found in the state. Zika in pregnant mothers has been linked to severe birth defects, and the virus has also been linked with a rare form of paralysis.

See below for the list of counties with Zika cases

County            Number of Cases (all travel related)

Alachua                     1

Brevard                     1

Broward                    7

Hillsborough            3

Lee                             3

Miami-Dade             24

Orange                       3

Osceola                      1

Santa Rosa                1

Seminole                   1

St. Johns                   1

Pregnant women*    4

Total                          50               

The state is not disclosing the locations of the pregnant women who have caught Zika to protect their privacy.

Reporter Abe Aboraya is part of WMFE in Orlando. receives support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Copyright 2016 Health News Florida