3 cases of Zika in pregnant Florida women reported

Three pregnant women in Florida have tested positive for a history of Zika virus after traveling to countries where the disease is present, according to the state surgeon general.  

The total number of cases of Zika virus in Florida is now 32, all of which were reported as travel-related. 

The state surgeon general's office said only three of Florida's Zika patients were still exhibiting symptoms of the virus, none of whom were pregnant. According to the CDC, symptoms associated with the Zika virus last between seven to ten days.

The county where the pregnant Zika patients live was withheld.

After learning of three pregnant women in Florida who tested positive for Zika virus after traveling from outside the U.S., Gov. Scott requested 250 additional Zika antibody tests from the CDC.

The CDC recommends pregnant women with a history of Zika virus and her doctor should consider additional ultrasounds. It is recommended that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to Zika affected areas.

On February 3, Governor Rick Scott directed officials to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties reporting travel-associated cases of Zika.

The Declaration includes the 11 effected counties - Alachua (1 case), Brevard (1 case), Broward (4 cases), Hillsborough (3 cases), Lee (3 cases), Miami-Dade (11 cases), Orange (2 cases), Osceola (1 case), Santa Rosa (1 case), Seminole (1 case), and St. Johns (1 case) - for a total of 32 cases. 

The governor's office said all of Florida's cases were travel-associated, and there were no locally-acquired cases of Zika in Florida.

More information from the the state and department of health about the Zika virus and prevention:

According to the CDC, Zika illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and harm to unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.

The State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors also need to use repellents when outdoors.

DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; and covering windows with screens.