Zika Virus Risk Identified in South Florida Counties

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a potential risk of Zika virus transmission in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties in Florida, dating back to June 15, 2016.

This identification follows a recognized outbreak of mosquito-borne transmission that occurred in a neighborhood within Miami-Dade County between June 30 and August 5, 2016. During that period, 29 individuals with Zika virus infection were found to have had likely exposure within an approximate 6-block area.

The Miami-Dade outbreak ended after the implementation of aerial spraying to control the mosquito population. According to CDC reporting, there were no increases in short-term health effects associated with the spraying efforts.

Transmission and Vector Behavior

Zika virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These are the same mosquito species responsible for spreading chikungunya and dengue.

These mosquitoes typically live both indoors and outdoors and are known to bite during both the day and the night. They frequently lay their eggs in standing water found in containers such as vases, flowerpots, animal dishes, bowls, and buckets.

A mosquito becomes infected with the virus when it bites a person during the window when the virus is present in the blood, which typically occurs during the first week of infection. Once infected, the mosquito can spread the virus to other people through subsequent bites.

Beyond mosquito bites, the Zika virus can be spread through sexual contact from an infected person to their partner, regardless of whether the infected person is showing symptoms at the time.

Health Impacts and Symptoms

The Florida Department of Health notes that many people infected with the Zika virus may experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they typically last for several days to one week.

Common symptoms of the infection include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

Because these symptoms are often mild, many infected individuals do not become sick enough to require hospitalization, which can lead to a lack of awareness regarding their infection status.

A significant public health concern regarding the virus is its impact on pregnancy. The virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby, and infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.

Global and Domestic Context

Zika virus typically occurs in subtropical and tropical regions across the Western Pacific, Southern Asia, the Americas, and Africa. While large outbreaks occurred in the Americas during 2015 and 2016, those specific outbreaks are now over.

As of February 6, 2026, the CDC reports that there are currently no geographic areas under an active Zika Travel Health Notice. However, the virus continues to be a risk in various countries worldwide.

Because surveillance practices vary between countries, the CDC may not always possess accurate information on the current level of risk in every geographic area. Countries and territories with a history of transmission are still considered at risk.

To mitigate the risk of local transmission within the continental United States, the CDC provides guidance for individuals returning from areas with ongoing Zika transmission. This includes the use of daily mosquito repellent for a period of three weeks and following published guidance to prevent sexual transmission of the virus.