Advertisement Governor: 4 Zika cases likely came from Florida mosquitoes Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Florida's governor says the state has concluded that four mysterious Zika infections likely came from mosquitoes in the Miami area.Speaking to the media Friday morning, Gov. Rick Scott said Florida has become the first state in the nation to have local transmission of Zika virusThe health department believes that active transmissions of the virus could be happening in one small area just north of downtown Miami.The exact location is within the boundaries of the following area: NW 5th Avenue to the west, US 1 to the east, NW/NE 38th Street to the north and NW/NE 20th Street to the south. This area is about 1 square mile.For months, health officials have said they expected Zika to make its way to the Sunshine State."We are a diverse state with many residents who have traveled to other countries by Zika, and Aedes mosquitoes thrive in our state," said Dr. Celese Phillip, Florida’s surgeon general.Right now, there are no known locally transmitted cases of the virus in Central Florida.Scott said he would dedicate every possible resource to stop a potential statewide spread."I used my emergency executive authority to allocate $26.2 million in state funds for Zika preparedness, prevention and response in Florida," said Scott.Meanwhile, intense efforts to stop Zika mid-flight are underway.Orange County Mosquito Control Center staffers are searching through neighborhoods for standing water, and experts say you should, too."Eliminating that habitat, the tarp that's covering your boat that's collected rainwater for the last week--drain it. Make sure that the window screens are in place and intact," said Florida Agriculture Secretary, Adam Putman.In light of the confirmed locally transmitted cases in South Florida, the Food and Drug Administration told Miami-Dade and Broward counties to halt blood donations over concern of spreading the virus.One Blood said it will start screening all blood donations for Zika.What residents can do:Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water 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 pet's 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 appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.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 repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.EPA-approved repellent is safe for pregnant women to use.Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.