Two new cases of Zika have been confirmed in Florida – one in Alachua County and one in Broward County.
Dr. John Armstrong, Florida’s Surgeon General and Secretary of Health, released the news Thursday in his daily Zika update.
This is the first case of the virus in Alachua County and the third in Broward, according to the release. The virus – which can be transmitted through mosquito bites, perinatal and sexual contact – may be linked to birth defects in pregnant women.
Armstrong’s Declaration of Public Health Emergency has been expanded to include Alachua County, according to the release.
In total, 20 cases of the virus have been confirmed in Florida. Miami-Dade County has the most with seven confirmed cases. Lee, Broward and Hillsborough counties have each had three.
Florida Governor Rick Scott told Armstrong to activate a Zika Virus Information Hotline for Florida residents and visitors, as well as anyone planning on traveling to Florida in the near future.
The hotline, which will be managed by the Department of Health, will answer questions on the virus and the state’s preparedness efforts.
Armstrong will issue a Zika update at 2 p.m. every week day, according to the release. Updates will include Zika case counts confirmed by the Center for Disease Control for each county and information to maintain public health.
The hotline’s number is 1-855-622-6735.