Possible Zika Cases Being Investigated in Miami Beach

Public officials are stressing the cases haven't been confirmed

ByABC News

August 19, 2016, 3:28 AM

 -- Two possible cases of Zika have been reported in Miami Beach, setting off alarm in one of the country's biggest tourist destinations even as public officials stress that the location where the virus was actually transmitted has not been confirmed.

"By now you may have seen the various news reports regarding the Zika virus linked to Miami Beach," Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Moraels said in a statement. "It is important to note that at this time the Department of Health has not confirmed any cases on Miami Beach, however we have been informed that cases are being investigated."

PHOTO: A plane sprays pesticide over the Wynwood neighborhood in the hope of controlling and reducing the number of mosquitos, some of which may be capable of spreading the Zika virus — MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 06: A plane sprays pesticide over the Wynwood neighborhood in the hope of controlling and reducing the number of mosquitos, some of which may be capable of spreading the Zika virus on August 6, 2016 in Miami, Florida. This is the second round of aerial spraying in the area as the county continues to try and prevent the Zika virus from spreading. The CDC has advised pregnant women to avoid the area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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The Florida Department of Health Thursday reported two new non-travel related cases of Zika showing up outside the one-square-mile area around Miami's Wynwood arts district where several cases had previously been reported. City and state officials have said that the outbreak is contained to that specific area, where efforts to eradicate the mosquito population have also been focused.

PHOTO: Barbara Betancourt holds her baby Daniel Valdes after being given a can of insect repellent by James Bernat, a City of Miami police officer — MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 02: Barbara Betancourt holds her baby Daniel Valdes after being given a can of insect repellent by James Bernat, a City of Miami police officer, as he helps people living around the Miami Rescue Mission prevent mosquito bites that may infect them with the Zika virus on August 2, 2016 in Miami, Florida. A reported 14 individuals have been infected with the Zika virus by local mosquitoes. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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The New York Times cited an anonymous health official saying a "handful" of cases had been linked to Miami Beach. The Miami Herald quoted an email reportedly sent from Moraels to Miami Beach commissioners in which he mentions a tourist who may have been infected during a stay there, as well as a local resident who lives and works in Miami Beach who may also have become infected.