10 New Zika Cases Identified in Florida, Likely Transmitted by Mosquitos: Governor

MIAMI (TheBlaze/AP) -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott says there are 10 new infections of the Zika virus likely transmitted by mosquitoes, bringing the total in the state to 14.

The new cases are clustered in the same square-mile neighborhood in Miami-Dade County identified last week. Florida health officials said in a news release Monday they believe active transmissions of Zika are occurring only in that area.

The Florida governor said he has asked for a federal emergency response team, but emphasized that the state is still "safe" and open to tourists during the busy summer season.

I have called on the CDC to activate an Emergency Response Team following confirmed mosquito-borne transmissions: https://t.co/07N4udwkPL

— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) August 1, 2016

While I encourage all residents and visitors to continue to drain standing water and wear bug spray, FL remains safe and open for business.

— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) August 1, 2016

U.S. health officials do not expect widespread outbreaks of the sort seen in Brazil and Latin America. Although most people who get Zika don't know they're sick, infection during pregnancy can cause babies to be born with small heads and other defects.

More than 1,650 people in the mainland U.S. have been infected with Zika in recent months, nearly all while traveling abroad.

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