Single case of locally transmitted Zika virus confirmed by Florida health department

— -- A single case of locally transmitted Zika virus has been confirmed on Florida's west coast, according to the state's health department.

The isolated case occurred in Manatee County, south of Tampa and St. Petersburg, after a local couple traveled to Cuba, the Florida Department of Health said in a statement.

After the couple returned home, one partner fell ill to symptoms consistent with Zika virus infection, according to the health department. Evidence from a later investigation suggested that after that partner acquired Zika in Cuba, a mosquito in or near their home bit the infected partner and then later bit and transmitted the virus to the other partner, the health department said.

There is no evidence of an ongoing, active transmission of Zika virus to others, according to the health department.

This is the first case of locally transmitted Zika in the state this year, the department added. A total of 187 known Zika virus infections have been recorded in Florida in 2017, 107 of which were in pregnant women.

The health department has notified mosquito control, which will take measures to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the Manatee County area.

This case of Zika does not meet the requirements to establish a Zika zone, according to guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The health department said it will notify the public should it identify any areas of ongoing, active Zika transmission.

Health officials urged those who travel to known areas with Zika virus to use mosquito deterrents for at least three weeks after returning home, as well as condoms to reduce the risk of sexual transmission of the virus.

The health department also urged Floridians to help reduce mosquito populations near their homes and businesses by draining standing water and using repellents.