Zika virus confirmed in St Johns County

During today’s 2:00 p.m. update, Historic City News local reporters learned that St Johns County has its first CDC-confirmed case of Zika fever illness; bringing the Florida total reported cases to fourteen.

In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of Zika virus, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong issues the following report for Friday February 5, 2016.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. The Department has been in communications with the Anastasia Mosquito Control Board.  So far, all cases are travel-associated. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika virus in Florida. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women.

Dr. Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water, no matter how seemingly small, because he says even a couple of drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes.

According to the Florida Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control, Zika symptoms are generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain.

St Johns County and the Anastasia Mosquito Control District have a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and they are working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and others to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.

DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; covering windows with screens; and other basic precautions.