Health officials have removed some parts of Miami Beach from the Zika virus map after a period of over 45 days without reports of infection. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to issue infection warnings over some parts of Florida as well as specific areas of Miami Beach.
The Zika virus, known to cause birth defects and microcephaly in newborns, is a mosquito-borne virus that has reportedly infected over one thousand Florida residents in the past year. Due to the Zika virus Florida spread, the CDC was forced to create a travel guide for the state's populous areas.
The created guides marked reported Zika transmission zones around Miami Beach and Miami-Date County. Along with the guide, warnings were also issued, urging pregnant women to avoid travel to areas known to belong to the infection guide.
Following the forty-five day period without infection, the new transmission area for Zika in Florida has been reduced to a 1.5 square mile area in Miami Beach. According to Reuters, the area in question includes popular seaside tourist destinations in the South.
On Tuesday, Florida's Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control declared a three-mile portion of Miami Beach as free from Zika transmission. In an interview with USA Today, Tom Frieden, Director of the CDC, stated that the area's infection clearing came as a result of joint local and state efforts to stop the virus' spread.
Frieden continued to state that efforts included mosquito control in the form of foggers and aerial sprays to eliminate aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These actions have been duplicated in areas such as Wynwood and Miami Beach.
Miami officials have identified two remaining high-risk areas for Zika in Florida. These areas have been identified to be Little River, located in Northern Miami, and the southern tip of Miami Beach. Officials have urged locals and tourists alike to avoid these two zones.
Despite the waving of the emergency warning from Zika, world officials urge citizens to remain vigilant in the fight against the disease. Pregnant women, especially, are advised to take extra precautions, especially in areas with known infection.
The Zika virus is still considered to be a global threat, especially after scientific studies have linked it to birth defects plaguing countries such as Brazil. Both the WHO and the CDC have stated that the virus is one that will require continuous research into cures and vaccines.
