Florida probes possible case of Zika in Miami area

The Florida Department of Health is joining with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate a possible non-travel-related case of the deadly Zika virus in the Miami - Dade County area.

Along with the epidemiological investigation, the state agency is making available repellent and prevention kits for pregnant women at its headquarters in Miami-Dade and throughout the affected area.

Residents are asked to follow the following precautions:

• Drain standing water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets and other areas so that mosquitos don't multiply
• Get rid of old tires, bottles, drums, broken appliances and other unused items
• Cover boats and vehicles with tarp that does not collect water
• Empty and wash pet water bowls and birdbaths
• Keep swimming pools chlorinated
• Wear protective clothing that covers arms and legs as protection against mosquitos
• Always use repellent
• Cover doors and window with screens

The Zika virus is spread via mosquitos and can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus and cause birth defects, according to the CDC. There is no vaccine or medication for it, the agency reports.

The outbreak started in Brazil last year.