Florida Governor Rick Scott, who on Monday, Sept. 19 declared that Miami's Wynwood art district is free of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission, urged people to visit the entertainment zone like before.
The governor also invited visitors for the "Dine Out Wynwood" event set to happen on Sept. 30, organized to support the businesses affected by Zika crisis. It is to be noted that Scott will be also participating in the event to encourage Floridians to visit local restaurants and businesses.
The Zika zone of 1 square mile in Wynwood is lifted as there have been no new Zika virus cases reported for the past 45 days. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if no Zika virus cases are reported in a region for 45 consecutive days, or three mosquito incubation periods, then the area is regarded to be free of Zika virus transmission.
Scott noted that Wynwood, which reported the first local transmission of the Zika virus in the country, has contained the infection with the strenuous efforts of Floridians. He added that it was made possible by ardent mosquito control measures, education and the cooperation of residents and businesses in Wynwood.
The governor reminded people that the mission is not accomplished yet as more than 93 cases of locally acquired Zika have been reported in the state. Scott also reported that on Friday, Sept. 16, the Zika zone on Miami Beach was extended to about 4.5 miles. He also appealed for help from the federal government to fight Zika virus transmission in the state.
"Despite this, the federal government still cannot agree on spending money to stomp out this serious disease," said Scott a in press release. "Florida may have been the first location to have locally transmitted Zika, but we will not be the last. Zika is a national issue and I expect Congress to immediately pass a funding bill."
However, the CDC hasn't acknowledged that Wynwood is completely safe from Zika virus infections. Shortly after the governor's declaration, CDC Director Tom Frieden announced an adjustment in the agency's travel advisory. He asked people not to let their guards down just yet as there could be a possibility of ongoing infection.
The CDC has advised men and women who traveled to Wynwood between June 15 and Sept. 18 to wait for at least eight weeks before planning for a child even if they have had no symptoms of Zika virus infection. On the other hand, men who had Zika virus infection or experienced related symptoms are advised to wait for a minimum of six months before getting their partner pregnant.
Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture | Flickr
