Although we watched from afar the Zika outbreak that began in Brazil last May (1.5 million cases) and spread to Puerto Rico (5,500 reported cases), the mosquito-borne illness has made its way to the United States, descending upon a one-square mile area in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, north of Downtown Miami.
The hip art district—part residential, part commercial and industrial—is filled with a variety of interesting places to visit including indie shops, galleries, restaurants and bars, and has become a tourist mecca in Miami.
The Zika virus has so far infected 15 people in the Wynwood area, prompting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue on Monday, Aug. 1, an unprecedented travel warning for a U.S. city.
Overall, the CDC confirmed to NBC News that there are 351 Zika cases in Florida, 336 of them involving people who traveled to the state from elsewhere, according to the state Health Department.
Many people infected with the Zika virus have shown no symptoms or mild ones; however, those with symptoms have experienced fever, rash, red eyes and joint pain that lasts a few days up to a week. The potential risks for pregnant women are far greater and can lead to birth defects in newborns. That’s why the CDC warning was aimed specifically at pregnant women, women thinking of becoming pregnant and their partners.
For now, the Zika cases are confined to Wynwood from Biscayne Boulevard to the east, NW 5th Avenue to the west, south to 20th Street and 38th Street to the north.
For the past two weeks, the Florida Department of Health and Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control have been combating the mosquitoes in the affected area by treating buildings, using portable sprayers and spray trucks. Aerial spraying is said to begin soon, seven days a week for four weeks.
The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) in a statement on Aug. 2 expressed concern for the outbreak but assured travelers that Miami is "open for business" and that “there is no wide-spread transmission of Zika in Miami-Dade County.” August is a popular time for travelers, the GMCVB's Miami Spice (Aug. 1-Sept. 30) popular restaurant promotion is in full swing with hundreds of restaurants participating offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus; Miami Spa Month deals through Aug. 31; the XXI International Ballet Festival (Aug. 27-Sept. 11) taking place all across Miami featuring more than 20 ballet companies and concerts at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol or IR3535 on your clothing. Some common brands include Off!, Cutter, Skin So Soft Bug Guard and Repel.
- Dress in clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Stay indoors in air conditioning.
- Treat clothing, shoes and camping gear with permethrin.
- Beware of standing water, they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Helpline
The Florida Department of Health has requested that all questions continue to be directed to the state Zika Virus Information Hotline at 855.622.6735.