One case of Zika virus confirmed in St. Johns County

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Surgeon General announced Friday there is a confirmed case of Zika virus in St. Johns County.

That brings the total number of cases in the state to 14.

Recommended Videos



  • Broward - 1 case
  • Santa Rosa - 1 case
  • Osceola - 1 case
  • St. Johns - 1 case
  • Lee - 2 cases
  • Hillsborough - 3 cases
  • Miami-Dade - 5 cases

None of the cases involve pregnant women and all are travel related.

Surgeon General John Armstrong did not release more details about the St. Johns County case.

This comes one day after Governor Rick Scott announced a public health emergency was in effect for Broward, Lee, Santa Rosa, Hillsborough and Miami-Dade Counties.

It's unknown if St. Johns or any other counties will be added to that list.

The Centers for Disease Control said Zika fever illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.

The Department of Health encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water, covering skin with repellent and clothing, covering windows with screens.

Governor Rick Scott announced Thursday he asked the CDC to provide at least 1,000 Zika antibody tests so the state can test individuals, especially pregnant women and new mothers, who have traveled to affected areas and had symptoms of Zika.

The antibody test allows the state to see if individuals ever had the Zika virus.

Florida currently has the capacity to test only 475 people.

Governor Scott also asked the CDC to conduct a conference call within the next two weeks to help train Florida hospital workers, especially OBGYN doctors and those who work with pregnant women, on how Zika is spread, its symptoms, treatments and proper precautions.

The CDC has not yet fulfilled either request.