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Officials Investigate Four Areas in South Florida Amid New Zika Cases

The Florida Department of Health was looking into three places in Miami-Dade County and one location in Palm Beach County where new Zika infections may have occurred.

Health officials say there are two new non-travel related Zika cases in Miami-Dade County. One of the individuals was exposed in the Zika-stricken Wynwood neighborhood. A second patient was infected outside of the county's Zika zone.

The department also says there are 11 new travel-related cases in Miami-Dade and eight in Broward.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools has a Zika preparation plan ahead of the start of the school year which begins on August 22. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho sent a letter Monday urging parents to follow Zika prevention measures. Carvalho advised students to dress in long-sleeved shirts and long pants. 

The superintendent also encouraged students to apply mosquito repellent at home because the application of mosquito repellent is prohibited in schools. 

In preparation for the opening of schools, The Florida Department of Health is ordering additional mosquito repellent for distribution to families of children who attend school located within the Zika zone. The department will have representatives at each affected campus on the first day of class to answer questions. 

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday said Miami-Dade County has requested funding for more staff and mosquito traps.

Scott said health officials will send additional commercial pest control companies to help local mosquito control operations and "ensure the county has every possible tool to fight Zika."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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