Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
The Florida Department of Health is investigating a case of non-travel related Zika in Palm Beach County.
Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday the DOH was investigating the case. The person, according to Scott’s office, recently traveled to Miami-Dade County, where several cases of locally acquired Zika have been transmitted. Scott said the health department has begun an investigation to determine the source of the infection.
While the investigation is still ongoing, Scott said the Department of Health “still believes active transmissions are only taking place within the identified area that is less than one-square mile in Miami-Dade County.”
Health officials believe the virus has been transmitted in the Wynwood neighborhood, a trendy arts district in Miami. According to the state health department, there are at least 16 cases of non-travel related Zika in the state.
Scott ordered the state Department of Education and Florida Board of Governors to begin distributing toolkits to teachers in the state’s school districts, and public colleges and universities to “help educate students and their families” about Zika.
He also said he planned to meet with education officials to “discuss what actions they are taking at their schools and campuses” to keep students, faculty and staff safe.
