TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida's confirmed tally of travel-related Zika virus cases climbed to 381 on Wednesday with the announcement of 17 new patients statewide. The Florida Department of Health also announced it is now investigating four cases that may have been contracted within the state.



Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is characterized by a fever, rash and joint pain. While the illness typically resolves within a week, some severe cases may require hospitalization. Wednesday's new confirmed travel-related cases come from counties scattered across the state. The tally includes three new cases in Palm Beach County, two in Brevard, two in Broward, two in Orange and one each in Polk, Escambia, Osceola and Seminole counties. Four new cases involving pregnant women were also reported by the state. Travel-related cases involve patients who contracted the virus while traveling outside of the state. All told, the state has confirmed 381 travel-related cases, including 53 involving pregnant women.

FDOH confirmed earlier this month it was investigating two possible non-travel- related cases. That number climbed to four on Wednesday. Two of the cases involve residents in Miami-Dade County, and two are in Broward County. "The investigations into the new cases will begin today and door-to-door outreach and sample collection are ongoing in all cases," the state wrote in an email to media Wednesday. "The department will share more details as they become available. Residents and visitors are urged to participate in requests for urine samples by the department in the areas of investigation. These results will help the department determine the number of people affected."

The CDC has confirmed that the Zika virus is responsible for causing severe defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and often with brains that do not develop properly. "Babies with the defect often have a range of problems including developmental delay, intellectual disability, problems with movement and balance, hearing loss and vision problems," the FDOH said in an email to media.

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Aside from mosquitoes, Zika can be spread through sexual contact in some cases, the CDC notes. One of the confirmed cases in Polk County originated through sexual contact, the state of Florida reported. The patient in the case contracted the virus while traveling outside of the country. The CDC recommends women who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant postpone travel to Zika-affected areas.