Florida's first Zika-related birth defect reported
Florida public health officials have confirmed the state's first case of Zika-related microcephaly, a crippling birth defect, affecting an infant born to a woman infected in her home country of Haiti.
Gov. Rick Scott has called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to work with Florida's medical community on the case and further discuss what precautions other new and expecting mothers should take.
“It is heartbreaking to learn that a baby has been born with Zika-related microcephaly in our state and my thoughts and prayers are with the mother and child," Scott said in a written statement Tuesday. "The Olympics will begin in less than 40 days and millions of Americans will travel through our state to and from Brazil, a country where the Zika virus is rapidly spreading, and we must be prepared."
Scott, who calls the Zika threat a "national emergency" has allocated more than $26 million in state funds to combat it. He has also supported the Obama administration's call for $1.9 billion in federal funds to fight the disease.
Congress has so far failed to reach a deal on Zika funding. This confirmed case in Florida is could sharpen criticism of the deadlock and put increasing pressure on lawmakers to reach a deal.
Florida's Department of Health did not immediately identify the county in which the baby had been born. Department spokeswoman Mara Gambineri also would not comment on the severity of the microcephaly affecting the baby.
But she said it is working to connect baby and mother with the state's Early Steps program, which helps infants and toddlers with developmental delays.
Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head and, as a result, an under-developed brain, according to the CDC.
Problems for such babies can last a lifetime and include: seizures; developmental delays, such as speech problems; intellectual disabilities; problems with movement and balance; feeding problems, such as a difficulty swallowing; hearing loss; and vision problems.
Southwest Florida mosquito control prepping for Zika
As of Tuesday morning, Florida had confirmed 183 cases of Zika infections. All involved people who were infected while outside the country, according to the Florida Department of Health. Five cases involved people living in Lee County. Another three live in Collier.
At least 40 people statewide contracted Zika while pregnant. State officials have not said where they live currently.
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