Recently, the world has been on full alert with the rampant outbreak of the Zika Virus all over the globe. Many cities and countries have been inflicted, and one of them is Miami, Florida.
For months government officials and the CDC have been in full cooperation to contain the outbreak of the Zika virus in their state, with the virus appearing in their local area since July. And just last Friday, Florida Governor Rock Scott has announced that Miami is now Zika-free, which means that there is no local virus transmission.
The Zika virus is often carried by mosquitoes and is quite similar to the Dengue fever. What's dangerous about it is that it often shows only mild symptoms, like fever, headaches, muscles and joint pain, but if transmitted to pregnant women, the effects would be much worse.
Pregnant women who are afflicted with the Zika Virus may suffer from miscarriage and stillbirth; also, the fetus will most likely have a chance of being afflicted with microcephaly, a birth defect that results to a smaller than normal head, because of the brain not being able to develop properly. Zika Virus can also be sexually transmitted.
In their latest Zika update, the CDC said: "There have been no new cases of local Zika virus transmission identified in South Miami Beach for more than 45 days, suggesting that the risk of Zika virus infection is no longer greater than in the rest of Miami-Dade County." This was greatly cheered by local residents.
However, the CDC and other public health officials still reminded the local residents of Miami to stay vigilant, because it is still possible for the Zika Virus to become present in their area again. This was emphasized by Dr. Celeste Philip, state surgeon general and secretary of the Florida Department of Health.
"I want to remind everyone that disruption of local transmission is extremely significant, but we must be vigilant. Miami is popular, and travelers will continue to bring it into our state."
"So we must remain on alert and continue protective efforts: Use repellant, keep your skin covered as much as possible, and we can't forget about risk associated with sexual transmission," Philip said.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
