Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Local Zika Transmission Confirmed In Miami
The New York Times: Zika Cases In Florida Were Likely Spread By Mosquitoes, A First In The Continental U.S.
Four cases of Zika infection in Miami are highly likely to have been caused by infected mosquitoes, the state Department of Health said Friday — the first documented instance of local transmission in the continental United States. Officials believe that the area of active transmission is limited to a one-square mile area just north of downtown Miami. No mosquitoes tested have been found to be carrying the Zika virus, and the department is going door to door in the neighborhood collecting urine samples to test residents. (Alvarez and Belluck, 7/29)
CNN: Florida Health Officials Confirm Local Zika Transmission
"While no mosquitoes trapped tested positive for the Zika virus, the department believes these cases were likely transmitted through infected mosquitoes in this area," according to a statement from the Florida Department of Health. (Goldschmidt, 7/29)
The Miami Herald: Local Transmission Of Zika By Mosquitoes Confirmed In Miami
The exact location identified as having active Zika transmission is within Northwest 5th Avenue to the west, U.S. 1 to the east, Northwest/Northeast 38th Street to the north and Northwest/Northeast 20th Street to the south. This is currently the only area of the state where the Florida Department of Health is testing to see if there local mosquitoes are spreading Zika. All four of Florida’s cases — two in Miami-Dade and two in Broward — are active Zika cases but none of the people inected have exhibited symptoms to be admitted to the hospital. (Chang, 7/29)
USA Today: Governor: 4 New Zika Cases Likely Came From Fla. Mosquitoes
The four cases in South Florida involved one woman and three men in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, [Gov. Rick] Scott said. "If you live in this area and want to be tested, I urge you to contact the county health department, which stands ready to assist you," he said.
