In Wynwood, the Miami, Fla., neighborhood that is believed to be the first place in the U.S. where mosquitoes are transmitting Zika virus locally, people are naturally concerned. Residents are staying indoors, outdoor venues are closed, events are being cancelled and couples are changing their pregnancy plans in this Zika hotspot.
Many places in the Gulf of Mexico region, like Houston, Texas, and New Orleans, La., are concerned they might be the next Zika hotspot. While it’s anyone’s guess if and where the next U.S. Zika hotspot might be, communities will need to mobilize fast to address the people’s concerns.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, local public health agencies should:
- Develop, refine and implement state preparedness and response plans tailored to the jurisdiction’s risk for Zika. See CDC’s interim response plan guidelines.
- Develop capacity to test for Zika or send samples to CDC for testing.
- Report laboratory-confirmed cases to CDC through ArboNET, the national tracking system for diseases spread by mosquitoes, ticks and other insects.
- Start or increase mosquito surveillance, testing and control activities.
- Provide healthcare providers with timely information about Zika and cases in the state. Embed the CDC’s updated Zika microsite right into your city website, here is the code.
- Educate communities about Zika virus and how to prevent mosquito bites. Share CDC’s consumer resources for specific groups and prepared communications with your community.
For more information, see the CDC’s “Zika is in your area: What to do” page.
