The Florida Department of Health reminded residents to take precautions after a new Zika-related case was reported earlier this week in Alachua County.
“To date, there have been no locally acquired cases of Zika virus, and all cases have been travel-related, meaning the person acquired the virus overseas,” said Mara Gambineri, the communications director for Florida Department of Health.
Residents should still take precautions to prevent any mosquito-borne illnesses, Gambineri said.
Residents should cover their skin and use mosquito repellent when they are outdoors during the day and night, she said.
Gambineri said it is critical that residents drain all sources of standing water around their homes, such as bird baths, flower pots or buckets. The smallest amount of water can be the perfect breeding zone for mosquitos, she said.
According to a press release, of the 233 cases in Florida, only five came from Alachua County. This data ranks the county one of the lowest in the state in terms of reported cases.
Broward County has had 40 reported cases. Miami-Dade County has had 74, making it the county with the most reported Zika cases.
According to the release, the biggest concern regarding the Zika virus is pregnant women, and 43 pregnant women in Florida have been monitored.
The Florida Department of Health advises pregnant women not to travel to areas where Zika is common, according to the release.
