niman

New cases to be discussed in relation to prior testing and transparency issues http://www.recombinomics.co/thedrnimanshow/2016/09/091016.mp3

Today's audio on Florida #Zika testing http://www.recombinomics.co/thedrnimanshow/2016/09/091016.mp3

New cases to be discussed in relation to prior testing and transparency issues http://recombinomics.co/thedrnimanshow/

First isolation of Zika virus in Australia from a clinical patient, imported from Tonga. Moore,P.R. and Pyke,A.T. Go to: Sequences in this data set KX216640.1Zika virus isolate CKS63-2014 envelope protein gene, partial cds KX216639.1Zika virus isolate SS57-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds KX216638.1Zika virus isolate ESS23-2015 envelope protein gene, partial cds KX216637.1Zika virus isolate GS29-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds

Study Details First isolation of Zika virus in Australia from a clinical patient, imported from Tonga. Pyke,A.T. and Moore,P.R. Go to: Sequences in this data set KX216636.1Zika virus isolate SS27-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds KX216635.1Zika virus isolate TS17-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds KX216634.1Zika virus isolate TS14-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds KX216633.1Zika virus isolate VS51-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds KX216632.1Zika virus isolate SIS58-2015 envelope protein gene, partial cds

1. Zika virus isolate SIS58-2015 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX216632.1 GI: 1029979471 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 10299794732. Zika virus isolate VS51-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX216633.1 GI: 1029979473 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 10299794753. Zika virus isolate TS14-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX216634.1 GI: 1029979475 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 10299794774. Zika virus isolate TS17-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX216635.1 GI: 1029979477 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 10299794795. Zika virus isolate SS27-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX216636.1 GI: 1029979479 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 10299794816. Zika virus isolate GS29-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX216637.1 GI: 1029979481 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 10299794837. Zika virus isolate ESS23-2015 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX216638.1 GI: 1029979483 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 10299794858. Zika virus isolate SS57-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX216639.1 GI: 1029979485 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 10299794879. Zika virus isolate CKS63-2014 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX216640.1 GI: 1029979487 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 103663743610. Zika virus isolate MS10-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX380262.1 GI: 1036637436 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet Select item 103663743811. Zika virus isolate FS92-2016 envelope protein gene, partial cds 1,512 bp linear RNA Accession: KX380263.1 GI: 1036637438 GenBankFASTAGraphicsPopSet

Public Health Virology in Australia has released a series of related partial (1512 BP of env gene) sequences from a geographical range of cases with most from Oceania or Southeast Asia. The sequences are also related to those from Japan and China travelers to Oceania (Fiji and Samoa) and may be closely related to the recent cases in Singapore.

Joint MOH-NEA statement (10 Sep 2016) Tags: News Highlights As of 12pm, 10 September, MOH has confirmed 14 new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore. Of these, 7 cases are linked to the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar Way cluster, one case is linked to the Bishan Street 12 cluster and one case is linked to the Bedok North Avenue 3 cluster. 2. There is a potential new cluster involving one previously reported case and a new case today. They both live in the Jalan Raya/ Circuit Road area. The other four cases have no known links to any existing cluster. Vector Control Update 3. NEA is continuing with vector control operations and outreach efforts in the cluster areas at Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Paya Lebar Way/ Kallang Way/ Circuit Road/ Geylang East Central/ Geylang East Avenue 1; Bedok North Avenue 2/ Bedok North Avenue 3/ Bedok North Street 3; Joo Seng Road; Bishan Street 12; Elite Terrace and Ubi Crescent. As of 9 September 2016, a total of 194 breeding habitats have been found and destroyed in the cluster areas, of which 117 are from homes, and 77 from common areas/other premises. 4. NEA will also be carrying out vector control operations and outreach efforts at Jalan Raya/Circuit Road. 5. As was carried out last weekend, outreach activities supporting the Mozzie Wipeout Movement Against Zika will be conducted all over Singapore this weekend to urge all residents to join in the collective effort in the fight against Zika by doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout, removing stagnant water and not littering. 6. Members of the public can obtain updated information on Zika and details on current clusters at NEA’s website: www.nea.gov.sg/zika andwww.nea.gov.sg/zika-clusters. 7. Aligned to our dengue control approach, NEA will continue to work with stakeholders and the community to reduce mosquito breeding, as vector control is key to reducing the transmission of Zika in the community. https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/pressRoomItemRelease/2016/joint-moh-nea-statement--10-sep-.html

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On Sept. 7, the state health department, in response to questions from the Herald, said eight out-of-state residents have contracted Zika in Florida but are not included in the total count. Mara Gambineri, a spokeswoman, said the health department tracks those cases “as they are still important for us to be aware of, but the cases are not reported in our case counts. The department reports cases of Florida residents.” That means there have been at least 64 local Zika infections in Florida this year, not the 56 cases reported so far by the health department. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html

On Sept. 7, the state health department, in response to questions from the Herald, said eight out-of-state residents have contracted Zika in Florida but are not included in the total count. The agency also has stopped issuing details of active investigations into local Zika cases. On Sept. 1, the health department began reporting only a summary of the total number of investigations in each county. Previously, the agency had listed each investigation by county, with the number of people tested for Zika and the results of those tests. Gambineri explained the change in an email: “The department is working to ensure the information is easy to understand. It had become confusing.” Read more here:http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html#storylink=cpy http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html

On Sept. 7, the state health department, in response to questions from the Herald, said eight out-of-state residents have contracted Zika in Florida but are not included in the total count. The agency also has stopped issuing details of active investigations into local Zika cases. On Sept. 1, the health department began reporting only a summary of the total number of investigations in each county. Previously, the agency had listed each investigation by county, with the number of people tested for Zika and the results of those tests. Gambineri explained the change in an email: “The department is working to ensure the information is easy to understand. It had become confusing.” Read more here:http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html#storylink=cpy http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html

On Sept. 7, the state health department, in response to questions from the Herald, said eight out-of-state residents have contracted Zika in Florida but are not included in the total count. The agency also has stopped issuing details of active investigations into local Zika cases. On Sept. 1, the health department began reporting only a summary of the total number of investigations in each county. Previously, the agency had listed each investigation by county, with the number of people tested for Zika and the results of those tests. Gambineri explained the change in an email: “The department is working to ensure the information is easy to understand. It had become confusing.” Read more here:http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html#storylink=cpy http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html

On Sept. 7, the state health department, in response to questions from the Herald, said eight out-of-state residents have contracted Zika in Florida but are not included in the total count. The agency also has stopped issuing details of active investigations into local Zika cases. On Sept. 1, the health department began reporting only a summary of the total number of investigations in each county. Previously, the agency had listed each investigation by county, with the number of people tested for Zika and the results of those tests. Gambineri explained the change in an email: “The department is working to ensure the information is easy to understand. It had become confusing.” Read more here:http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html#storylink=cpy http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html

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As of September 8, 2016, 250 travel-related cases, 2 sexually transmitted cases and 2 reports of maternal-to-fetal transmission have been detected in Canada. There's ongoing low risk to Canadians travelling to countries or areas in the U.S. with reported mosquito-borne Zika virus. The data will be updated on Thursdays. The next update will be made on Thursday, September 15, 2016. Zika virus detected in Canada, as of September 8, 2016 Country Acquired through sexual transmission Maternal-to-fetal transmission Travel-related Canada 2 2 250 http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditions-maladies-affections/disease-maladie/zika-virus/surveillance-eng.php?id=zikacases#s1

As of September 8, 2016, 250 travel-related cases, 2 sexually transmitted cases and 2 reports of maternal-to-fetal transmission have been detected in Canada. There's ongoing low risk to Canadians travelling to countries or areas in the U.S. with reported mosquito-borne Zika virus. The data will be updated on Thursdays. The next update will be made on Thursday, September 15, 2016. Zika virus detected in Canada, as of September 8, 2016 Country Acquired through sexual transmission Maternal-to-fetal transmission Travel-related Canada 2 2 250 As of September 8, 2016, Canada confirms 2 maternal-to-fetal transmissions of Zika virus, including one with severe neurological congenital anomalies. Reports of pregnancies and maternal-to-fetal transmission Number of pregnancies reported among Zika-infected women Maternal-to-fetal transmission No Zika-related anomalies observed Zika-related anomalies observed 15 1 1

SEPTEMBER 10, 2016 9:00 AM Florida’s Zika undercount hides extent of virus’ spread, experts say 1 of 2 At a community meeting on Zika held in the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 26, Gov. Rick Scott said the state is committed to providing “timely and accurate” information. But the state often withholds details that public health experts say would allow people to make informed decisions and provide a clear picture of the virus’s foothold in Florida Roberto Koltun [email protected] BY DANIEL CHANG [email protected] LINKEDIN GOOGLE+ PINTEREST REDDIT PRINT ORDER REPRINT OF THIS STORY For months, Florida Gov. Rick Scott and state agencies have reported almost daily on the public health crisis posed by the spread of Zika. From the first three travel-related cases identified in January, to the emergence of local Zika infections in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood in July, followed by the discovery ofmosquitoes infected with the virus in Miami Beach in September, the governor and state officials have vowed to keep Floridians informed so they can prepare. “We're going to put out accurate and timely information,” Scott told a group of reporters following a Zika roundtable with civic leaders in Miami Beach in August. “We want everybody to be prepared. We all have to take this seriously.” ACCORDING TO THE CDC, MANY PEOPLE INFECTED WITH ZIKA WON’T HAVE SYMPTOMS OR WILL ONLY FEEL MILD EFFECTS. THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS ARE FEVER, RASH, JOINT PAIN AND RED EYES. But the information issued by the governor and state agencies has not been timely or accurate — cases announced as “new” are often several weeks old, due to a time lag in diagnosis — and excludes details that public health experts say would allow people to make informed decisions and provide a complete picture of Zika’s foothold in Florida. “I don’t think the message has been strong enough, in terms of ‘We have a problem’,” said Arthur Caplan, director of medical ethics for New York University Langone Medical Center. “It makes no sense — unless you see it through the eyes of the impact on tourism. I think that’s money driving reporting rather than public health.” Over the past month, as local Zika infections have spread beyond Miami-Dade, with cases cropping up in Broward, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties, Florida officials have: ▪ Stopped providing detailed information on epidemiological investigations into local Zika infections; ▪ Refused to identify all the locations where Zika-positive mosquitoes were trapped in Miami Beach; ▪ And under-reported the number of local Zika infections in Florida by excluding anyone who is not a state resident. Not reporting local Zika infections to tourists is particularly egregious to Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. “That’s just wrong,” he said. “To get a true picture of what’s going on in Florida, you want to know, among anyone who was in Florida, who acquired it there. ... That’s how it should be counted. If they're not, then that sounds to me like they’re trying to minimize their number of cases.” THAT’S JUST WRONG. Michael Osterholm, public health expert with University of Minnesota The Florida Department of Health has been criticized before for its disease reporting methods, most notably for taking hundreds of HIV cases off the books in February as then-State Surgeon General John Armstrong was under fire for a spike in infection rates. The agency later explained that some cases had been shifted to the year of diagnosis or to the state where the individual resides to avoid double counting. State Surgeon General Celeste Philip has said that, similar to HIV reporting, Florida’s method for documenting local Zika infections adheres to standards set by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC guidelines state that Zika cases are counted in the state where the person lives — regardless of where exposure may have occurred. “There has been a lot of interest in how we count HIV cases, and it has to do with place of residence,” Philip said following an August news conference on Zika. “So the governor announced that we had three [Zika] cases associated with tourists [in Miami Beach], and we were very transparent about where they came from. But in terms of the technical count for the state, CDC will count them in their [state] of residence.” But Florida chooses how to report local Zika infections to the public, Osterholm said, and counting all infections in the state is “standard protocol, in terms of how disease reporting is done.” “You’re trying to figure out where they were exposed,” he said. “If somebody catches malaria on a trip and comes back to Minnesota, we don’t count that as malaria in Minnesota.” On Sept. 7, the state health department, in response to questions from the Herald, said eight out-of-state residents have contracted Zika in Florida but are not included in the total count. 8Out-of-state residents infected with Zika in Florida as of Sept. 7 but excluded from state count. Mara Gambineri, a spokeswoman, said the health department tracks those cases “as they are still important for us to be aware of, but the cases are not reported in our case counts. The department reports cases of Florida residents.” That means there have been at least 64 local Zika infections in Florida this year, not the 56 cases reported so far by the health department. On Aug. 19, the governor, visiting the Miami-Dade Department of Health, reported that three tourists were infected within a 1.5-square-mile zone of South Beach. Scott said the visitors came from New York, Texas and Taiwan. But neither the governor or the health department said those cases would be excluded from the state’s tally of local Zika infectionsuntil a week later when the Herald asked. Gambineri did not respond to questions about the place of residence for any of the out-of-state people infected in Florida. However, one of them might be another New Yorker. A woman from Brooklyn who has been living and working on Miami Beach since Aug. 5 contacted the Herald to report she had contracted Zika in Florida, and that the state had been unaware of her case even though she tested positive at a commercial lab, which sent her results to New York’s health department. The vast majority of infections in Florida have been imported by residents who caught the virus while traveling abroad in places where Zika is widespread. Statewide, health officials have confirmed 700 travel-related cases, including 80 pregnant women, as of Sept. 9. The health department has refused to say how many local infections involve pregnant women. The agency also has stopped issuing details of active investigations into local Zika cases. On Sept. 1, the health department began reporting only a summary of the total number of investigations in each county. Previously, the agency had listed each investigation by county, with the number of people tested for Zika and the results of those tests. ZIKA SPREADS TO PEOPLE PRIMARILY THROUGH THE BITE OF INFECTED AEDES AEGYPTI AND AEDES ALBOPICTUS MOSQUITOES, THOUGH THE VIRUS ALSO CAN BE TRANSMITTED SEXUALLY, THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS AND FROM A PREGNANT WOMAN TO HER FETUS. Gambineri explained the change in an email: “The department is working to ensure the information is easy to understand. It had become confusing.” Communicating a public health crisis requires more than a tally of infections and active investigations, said Andrew Pekosz, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology with Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. “There’s no one piece of information in an outbreak like Zika that is absolutely, 100 percent critical to know because everything is contextualized,” he said. Pekosz said the time and effort required to investigate cases, wait for diagnostic test results and verify local spread of the virus can slow the flow of information and make it difficult for public health officials to communicate the relative risk of contracting Zika. “The most important thing,” he said, “is to identify the geographic areas where there’s a high potential of mosquito transmitted cases.” But while the health department has identified two general areas in Miami-Dade with ongoing spread of Zika, Florida officials have chosen not to inform the public about precisely where they found mosquitoes that carry the virus. After announcing on Sept. 1 that mosquitoes in three Miami Beach locations had tested positive for Zika — a first in the nation — Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services identified only one of the places: Miami Beach Botanical Garden, which had closed three days prior. A fourth batch of mosquitoes in Miami Beach that tested positive for Zika was announced on Friday. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO IDENTIFY THE GEOGRAPHIC AREAS WHERE THERE’S A HIGH POTENTIAL OF MOSQUITO TRANSMITTED CASES. Andrew Pekosz, public health expert with Johns Hopkins University The agriculture department has refused to identify all locations, citing exemptions under Florida statutes governing the sharing of confidential or exempt information andinvestigations into the spread of the virus, said Jennifer Meale, a spokeswoman. If Florida officials are concerned that identifying those locations may hurt tourism, said Caplan, the NYU professor of bioethics, their refusal to be more transparent may have an unintended consequence. Florida may succeed at halting the virus’s spread. But Zika could resurface the following year, he said, and the state may find it has lost credibility with travelers worried about the disease. “People won’t trust it,” he said. Caplan believes Florida is ethically obligated to tell people where they found Zika-positive mosquitoes in Miami Beach so residents and visitors can act. “They have an explicit duty in the interest of public health to tell people exactly where those mosquitoes are,” he said. “That gives people a chance to remove standing water, avoid the area, stay indoors and take precautions. “It's inexcusable to me morally that they wouldn’t reveal all they know, and that they'd be invoking a kind of bureaucratic waiver. ... I’m not really interested in what the statute says. The question is simply: What’s in the best interest of all visitors and residents in the middle of this outbreak?” Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html#storylink=cpy

On Sept. 7, the state health department, in response to questions from the Herald, said eight out-of-state residents have contracted Zika in Florida but are not included in the total count. Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html#storylink=cpy http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article100939277.html

Sequencing of Zika Virus Strains From Sims Drive/ Aljunied Crescent Cluster Tags: News Highlights The Ministry of Health’s National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and A*STAR’s Bioinformatics Institute (BII) have completed the sequencing of the virus strains of three live Zika cases found in Singapore. These cases comprise the first imported Zika infection detected in May 2016, and two local transmission cases from the Sims Drive/Aljunied Crescent cluster. Key Findings 2. The sequence of the first imported Zika case that was reported in May 2016, is similar to the strains currently found in South America. This finding is consistent with the patient’s travel history. He had travelled to Brazil just before he fell ill. 3. The Zika virus strains found in the two locally-transmitted cases from the Sims Drive-Aljunied Crescent cluster were not recently imported from South America.These virus strains have sequences similar to strains of Zika virus which have been circulating in South-east Asia since the 1960s before the viruses spread to French Polynesia in 2013 and subsequently to Brazil in 2015. Implications of Sequencing Findings 4. The analysis of the virus found in two locally transmitted cases shows it belongs to the Asian lineage and likely evolved from a strain that was already circulating in South-east Asia. Currently there is no evidence from existing studies and from this sequence to indicate whether the differences between these strains and the South American virus correlate with differences in severity or type of disease. The virus sequence, when shared with the international community and compared with existing virus sequences, will help in tracking the global spread and evolution of the Zika virus. 5. Correlation of virus strains with specific clinical manifestations will take long-term careful epidemiological studies as well as experimental studies in research laboratories. Knowing the range and distribution of virus strains would also be useful in future testing of vaccines and various treatment strategies. 6. MOH’s NPHL and A*STAR’s BII will continue to monitor and study the evolution of the virus in Singapore and the region. The sequences from their analyses will be made available on public databases for the benefit of the global scientific community, including the World Health Organization. https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/pressRoomItemRelease/2016/sequencing-of-zika-virus-strains-from-sims-drive--aljunied-cresc.html

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More Miami Beach mosquitoes test positive for Zika virus Announcement comes as aerial spraying begins in city By Amanda Batchelor - Senior Digital Editor Posted: 4:06 PM, September 09, 2016Updated: 4:43 PM, September 09, 2016 2 2 0 Comments MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - More mosquitoes have tested positive for the Zika virus in Miami Beach, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced Friday. Officials said the mosquito sample was taken from the same small area in Miami Beach where it was announced Sept. 1 that three other samples had tested positive for the virus. More Zika Virus Headlines Miami Beach residents protest against aerial spraying over Zika zone 3 mosquito samples from Miami Beach test positive for Zika virus Mosquito control efforts continue as 3 mosquito trap samples test… Broward County begins mosquito spraying in battle against Zika virus South Florida business kills off backyard mosquitoes as Zika virus cases rise Florida health officials confirm 84 pregnant women test positive for Zika virus "This find underscores the continued need already underway in Miami-Dade to employ an aggressive and comprehensive mosquito control strategy," Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said in a statement. "Only with a multi-faceted approach to controlling the Zika-carrying mosquito will we be able to protect Floridians and visitors." The announcement came the same say that aerial spraying began in Miami Beach in hopes of eradicating Zika-carrying mosquitoes. "The fact that we have identified a fourth Zika-positive mosquito pool in Miami Beach serves as further confirmation that we must continue our proactive and aggressive approach to controlling the mosquito population, including our recent decision to begin aerial spraying in combination with larvicide treatment by truck," Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez said in a statement. "We will continue to work in close collaboration with the health and environmental experts and the city of Miami Beach to keep our community safe from the Zika virus." Aerial spraying is expected to continue in the city Sunday morning. http://www.local10.com/health/zika-virus/more-miami-beach-mosquitoes-test-positive-for-zika-virus

More Miami Beach Mosquitoes Test Positive for Zika As Insecticide Spraying Begins September 9, 2016 4:48 PM By Donna Rapado Filed Under: Donna Rapado, Miami Beach, Naled, Zika Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) – Just hours after a plane loaded with the controversial insecticide Naled was sprayed along Miami Beach Friday, state officials have announced it has detected Zika in another mosquito sample from Miami Beach. The sample came from the same small area, where it was previously announced three other samples had tested positive for Zika. All samples have consisted of Aedes aeqypti mosquitoes and are from an area where increased trapping and intensified mosquito control measures have already been underway since the Florida Department of Healthdetermined local transmission had occurred. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam issued a mosquito declaration on July 29 when local transmission first occurred in Florida, and Friday, extended thisdeclaration for another 45-day period. “This find underscores the continued need already underway in Miami-Dade to employ an aggressive and comprehensive mosquito controlstrategy,” stated Putnam. “Only with a multi-faceted approach to controlling the Zika-carrying mosquito will we be able to protect Floridians and visitors.” “The fact that we have identified a fourth Zika-positive mosquito pool in Miami Beach serves as further confirmation that we must continue our proactive and aggressive approach to controlling the mosquito population, including our recent decision to begin aerial spraying in combination with larvicide treatment by truck,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “We will continue to work in close collaboration with the health and environmental experts and the City of Miami Beach to keep our community safe from the Zika virus.” “Despite relentless efforts by the city and the county, this new discovery shows that the Zika threat continues to grow. Today’s announcement reinforces the need for us to continue being as aggressive as we can be against Zika,” said Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. “I will continue working closely with state and county officials, as well as with city staff to ensure that I am doing everything in my power to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.” Friday morning, despite heated protests from both residents and some community leaders, a plane sprayed Naled along Miami Beach. It’s the first plane to do so since the Zika virus crossed the causeway from Wynwood to the beach. For about 20 minutes, the plane made several passes directly over the water — not the island itself. “To allow for the winds to compensate, to move the insecticide over the area we were talking about, which is the area from 8 street to 28 street, from the ocean to the bay,” said Frank Calderon with the Miami-Dade Mosquito Control. Earlier this week, protesters repeatedly gathered outside Miami Beach City Hall calling for officials to halt the spraying. Opponents pointed to a study that shows children born in farming areas where Naled is sprayed on crops have a higher rate of autism and learning disorders. “I think that poisoning an entire population is unnecessary and wrong,” said a very pregnant Michelle Hurtado, who stood on the side of 17th Street, outside Miami Beach City Hall chanting with other demonstrators. City officials pushed the spraying back a day to give residents and tourists a chance to leave the beach if they wanted to. “I continue to be cautiously optimistic that we’re gonna get a result out of the Senate very soon,” said Sen. Marco Rubio, who was in Doral giving an update on his efforts to pass legislation to fight Zika. He points out the Senate did pass a bi-partisan law back in May making $1.1 billion available, but it stalled in the House. “My argument is that we need to put politics aside and remove whatever impediments are in our way and get this done as part of whatever way we’re gonna keep government open,” Rubio said. “The government basically runs out of money in September, so there will have to be a way passed.” Still, many are having a hard time trusting government assurances that the pesticide is incapable of harming them. “It is a world where we can do our own research now. It really isn’t hard to look at toxicity reports,” said Irene Sperber. But at a forum hosted by University of Miami President Julio Frenk, himself a public health expert, a brain trust of doctors, epidemiologists and chemists concluded that health officials are moving wisely and safely to contain a dangerous virus. “The best available evidence,” Frenk said, “suggests the aggressive attack against the spread of Zika is appropriate.” Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine was not happy about the Naled spraying, however, he said, based on what the experts tell him, it must be done. In Broward, county leaders are launching the second aerial assault on the area, via helicopter, using the inorganic mixture Bacillus thuringiensis serotype israelensis (Bti) that targets larvae. “In Miami-Dade, it’s my understanding that the spray that they’re using is to kill active mosquitoes,” said Broward Mayor Marty Kiar. “The way that we’re combating the Zika virus is we’re killing the larvae before they hatch and become mosquitoes. And in order to do that, we’re able to use an inorganic chemical that’s not dangerous to the public.” Around 1 a.m. on Monday, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, Margate and unincorporated central Broward County will be sprayed. Related: Amid Concerns, Spraying Of Naled Delayed In Miami Beach’s Zika Fight As of Friday, there were 56 non-travel related cases of the virus in Florida and 616 travel-related cases. About 84 pregnant women in the state have been infected with Zika. So far, the local transmission zones in Miami-Dade are the following: Wynwood Area – NW 22nd St. at the South, NE 2nd Ave to NE 23rd St. at the east; NW 3rd Ave to the west; and NE 36th St to the north. Miami Beach Area – 28th Street to the north, 8th Street to the south, intercoastal water to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/09/09/despite-protests-controversial-insecticide-sprayed-over-miami-beach/

Media Contact: Stephanie Severino [email protected] 305-375-1545 Statement from Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez regarding Zika-positive mosquitoes in Miami Beach MIAMI (September 09, 2016) — Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that it has detected a fourth Zika-positive mosquito pool in the 1.5-square-mile area of Miami Beach where three pools had previously tested positive for Zika. The fact that a fourth Zika-positive mosquito pool has been identified in Miami Beach serves as further confirmation that we must continue our proactive and aggressive approach to controlling the mosquito population, including our recent decision to begin aerial spraying in combination with larvicide treatment by truck. Miami-Dade County’s Mosquito Control team conducted its first adulticide aerial spraying in Miami Beach this morning, and three more sprayings are scheduled, weather permitting, for the next three weekends. We will continue to work in close collaboration with the health and environmental experts and the City of Miami Beach to keep our community safe from the Zika virus.