Mosquito
Zika has now spread from a section of Miami (Wynwood) to Miami beach. Five new cases of locally transmitted Zika from Miami Beach have been confirmed. The CDC has issued a travel warning for Miami Beach. The risk of transmission is low, but outcomes for pregnant women who acquire the virus can be devastating. Travel warnings can have a large negative impact on tourism.
Mosquito control in Miami Beach is more problematic than in Wynwood. Wynwood, in North Miama has low rise apartments and is sheltered from the ocean breezes. Fogging with insecticide to kill adult mosquitoes can be effective. Miami Beach has constant sea breezes that quickly disperse pesticide aerosols and make control ineffective. High rise buildings complicate spraying logistics. More reliance on repellents will be necessary, but people are not always protected and repellents are less than 100% effective. The Florida governor is asking for federal help, but Congress has yet to approve funding and seems incapable a timely response.
CDC has a website with information and links to resources for families with infants affected by Zika. Some Zika effects are noticeable at birth, but others may develop with time. As of August 11, 2016, 529 pregnant women in US states and DC have been diagnosed with Zika, mostly travel related cases. 691 have been diagnosed in US territories, predominantly Puerto Rico. It is predicted that as much as 25% of the Puerto Rican population may become infected with Zika. Controlling Zika in Puerto Rica, with many travelers to the mainland US should have been a priority for preventing Zika in the US mainland. However, Congress is not heeding the recommendations of scientists and public health officials.
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