A locally transmitted case of Zika has been confirmed in Manatee County. 

• Single case of Zika confirmed in Manatee County
• Couple had traveled to Cuba, ill with symptoms upon return
• ZIKA: Additional information

The Florida Department of Health made the announcement Thursday morning. 

According to FDH officials, a couple traveled to Cuba and became ill upon returning. One partner was ill with symptoms consistent with Zika shortly after travel.  

The agency also said there is no evidence of ongoing, active transmission of Zika. According to Centers for Disease Control guidance, this isolated case does not constitute a Zika zone.

According to established protocol, the department notified mosquito control of the suspected case and appropriate mosquito reduction activities have occurred and will continue. 

If the department identifies an area where ongoing, active transmission of Zika is taking place, we will notify the public immediately.

The department reminds residents and health care providers to consider a Zika test if symptoms are consistent with the virus.

It is important to remember Zika can also be transmitted sexually and to take precautions if you or your partner traveled to an area where Zika is active.

Background on the single case of local transmission:

Based on the details revealed through a thorough investigation, evidence suggests one partner acquired Zika while in Cuba, was bitten by a mosquito in or around their home, and that mosquito then bit and transmitted Zika to the other partner.

The partner that acquired Zika in Cuba was not tested for Zika while they had symptoms. 

A test conducted this week showed evidence of a past Zika infection linking that infection to the partner who was recently symptomatic and tested positive.

The total number of Zika cases in Florida in 2017 is 187.

*These cases are included on the Zika website under the 2016 totals.

Note, these categories are not mutually exclusive and cannot be added together.

According to the FDH, it is critical for people who recently traveled overseas to an area with Zika to prevent mosquito bites for at least three weeks after they return home.

It is also important to reduce the chance of sexual transmission by using condoms. CDC has issued additional guidance related to sexual transmission and prevention.

The department updates the full list of travel-related cases by county online each weekday. To view the list of travel-related cases by county and year, click here.

For more information on Zika virus and the status of Zika in Florida, please visit www.zikafreefl.org