Florida Department of Health investigates possible non-travel-related Zika case

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health announced Tuesday that it is investigating a possible non-travel-related case of Zika in Miami-Dade County.

The department said it's conducting an epidemiological investigation in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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As of Tuesday, there were 283 travel-related cases of the Zika virus in Florida not involving pregnant women, and 43 cases involving pregnant women. 

According to the CDC, symptoms associated with the Zika virus last seven to 10 days and can include fever or rash.

Florida residents and visitors are reminded that the best way to protect themselves is to prevent mosquito bites through practicing good drain and cover methods:

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers in which rainwater or water from a sprinkler has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and keep them appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent

  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellent according to the directions on the label. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.
  • Repellent that has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency is safe for pregnant women to use.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes

  • Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.