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Florida Reports Second Local Zika Case For 2017

James Gathany
/
CDC/MGN Online

Florida has reported its second case of the Zika virus via local mosquitos.

Last month, the Florida Department of Health reported the first case transmitted by a local mosquito came from a Manatee County couple, who had traveled to Cuba.

One of them contracted Zika in Cuba, and the partner was bitten by a mosquito while returning home.

Now, state health officials say the second case this year transmitted by local mosquito is in Miami-Dade County. But, they say there is no evidence of ongoing, active transmission of Zika.

So far, there are 217 Zika cases in Florida—most are travel-related.

Zika, a mosquito-borne disease, can cause severe birth defects. It can be sexually-transmitted as well.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.