Four counties in Florida have been put under a state of emergency as the Zika virus makes it way into the United States. Spread through Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito bites, Governor Rick Scott is currently in talks with health officials "to ensure Florida is prepared and stays ahead of the spread of the Zika virus." There have been nine cases total in Santa Rosa, Hillsborough, Lee and Miami-Dade counties, all of which are believed to have been contracted while victims visited South American countries.
The Zika virus is linked to a severe birth defect called microcephaly which causes an abnormally small head and brain. It can also bring on Guillain-Barré syndrome, mild illness and conjunctivitis. As we near the warmer months, the need for immediate action draws grave concern as the Zika virus may have spread throughout several southern states. "Our Department of Health will continue to be in constant communication with all county health offices, hospitals and the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)," stated Gov. Scott. "We know that we must be prepared for the worst even as we hope for the best."
Source: ABC News
