MIAMI — The first known cases of the Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes in the U.S. have been confirmed in Florida.
Four people were infected in the Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Health officials believe the local transmission is contained to a small area, north of downtown Miami within a single zip code.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott addressed concerns at a news conference Friday morning.
"Testing of mosquitoes in this area has been happening in this area, this small area, for about 2 weeks. While no mosquito traps have tested positive for the Zika virus, the Department of Heath is aggressively testing people in the affected area to ensure there are no other cases of this virus,” said Scott.
Gov. Scott is in Orlando for a roundtable discussion with medical officials to find out how they're prepared for the Zika virus.
To date, there have been over 380 cases of Zika in Florida. President Obama pledged $5.6 million for mosquito-control efforts.
Scott has pleaded with Congress and the White House for more resources to fight the spread of the virus.
UPDATE:
According to the Associated Press, as of Monday morning, Gov. Scott has asked for a federal emergency response team to help the state combat the spread of the Zika virus in the U.S., saying the number of cases in Florida had increased to 14.
Officials announced only four cases on Friday.