Press Releases

MIAMI – Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) will make calls this week to residents living in the Wynwood, Overtown, and Little Haiti neighborhoods to alert them about confirmed mosquito-borne Zika virus transmissions in nearby Wynwood. Although the Zika-affected area is said to have a radius of only one square mile, it could easily spread to adjacent communities. Congresswoman Wilson is alerting the public in order to stop the spread of Zika through awareness and prevention to protect residents, their families, and their communities.

“I am contacting all residents in the areas under immediate threat from Zika because I want them to be aware of preventive measures, and to expect a visit from health department workers who are going door-to-door to inform them about Zika. I don’t want the public to be alarmed if someone shows up at their door,” said Congresswoman Wilson. “Miami-Dade County is also performing extensive insecticide spraying in order reduce the local population of mosquitoes, and the Florida Department of Health is distributing insect repellent, and Zika prevention kits to pregnant women.”

Zika is transmitted through bites from infected Aedes species mosquitoes, and sex. While most mosquitos are active during dusk and dawn, the Aedes species, which is responsible for Zika transmission, is active throughout the day. Aedes mosquitoes are especially aggressive in nature, which elevates the risk of Zika exposure.

Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects. The CDC recommends that pregnant women and women thinking of becoming pregnant avoid non-essential travel to areas with active Zika transmission, which now includes Wynwood. This travel warning is unprecedented as it is the first time the CDC has warned people not to travel to an American neighborhood for fear of contracting an infectious disease.

“I will continue to work closely with the CDC, and state and local officials to combat this disease,” said Congresswoman Wilson. “Having more information will help families protect themselves and stop the spread of Zika.”

For more information on Zika detection and prevention, please call the Florida Department of Health Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400. The state of Florida has also set up a Zika Virus Information Hotline. The number is 855-622-6735. Congresswoman Wilson’s office may be reached at 305-690-5905.