Gov. Scott: Zika Virus information hotline now available for Florida residents and visitors

Gov. Rick Scott directed State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to activate a Zika Virus Information Hotline for Florida residents and visitors, as well as anyone planning on traveling to Florida in the near future.

The hotline will be managed by the Florida Department of Health, and will answer questions on the Zika virus and the state’s preparedness efforts.

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The number for the Zika Virus Information Hotline is 855-622-6735.

Gov. Scott said, “We want to make sure Florida residents and visitors have access to an open line of communication so they can receive the latest updates on the Zika virus in our state. The Zika Virus Information Hotline will answer questions and advise callers on what steps they can take to protect their homes and families from Zika. With over 20 million residents and 100 million tourists, we have made it a priority to stay ahead of the possible spread of this virus in Florida, and we will continue to do all we can to keep our families safe.”

As of Friday, Florida has 20 confirmed Zika cases: Hillsborough (3 cases), Miami-Dade (7 cases), Lee (3 cases) Santa Rosa (1 case), Broward (3 case), St. Johns (1 case), Osceola (1 case), and Alachua (1 case).

All of the cases in Florida are travel-related and none involve pregnant women. The Florida Department of Health is also issuing a daily update regarding the status of the Zika virus in Florida.

Scott and the Centers for Disease Control teamed up to try to calm Zika virus fears by hosting a webinar and teleconference, Thursday afternoon, to help educate Florida health care workers about the illness.

Zika is having a big effect on travel. Some travelers can actually see a big cut in the cost of their vacation plans. It is unusual and it all has to do with travel and saving money.  There haven’t been any overseas travel restrictions but according to AAA, people are changing their plans when they travel because of the virus and that means prices are being cut.

AAA says they aren't seeing a lot of trip cancellations but people are altering their itineraries. They're also pushing back their vacation dates to later this year. Travel companies are responding by slashing their prices

Some of those vacation discounts include:
• $500 air credit and 7.5 percent off vacations to some countries in Europe- like Britain, Ireland and Scotland
• $1,000 off vacations to Asia, Australia & New Zealand
• $800 off vacations to North, Central and South America

So this news, coupled with lower gas prices, could mean real travel savings for a lot of people. As always, AAA asks travelers to be aware of the Zika virus and keep up with the latest news on it.

 


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.