A new Zika case in Polk County is the first sexually-transmitted case in Florida, the governor's office said Wednesday.
The person who contracted the Zika virus through sexual contact got it from someone who had traveled out of the country, the statement said. The Florida surgeon general's daily Zika update confirmed that there are two new cases in Polk, and the state's declaration of public health emergency was expanded to include the county.
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In February, health officials in Dallas confirmed that a case of the Zika virus had been acquired through sexual transmission, making it the first active transmission of the virus in the United States. A locally-transmitted case has been confirmed in Puerto Rico.
As of Wednesday, there were 52 Zika cases confirmed in Florida. Three are still exhibiting symptoms, which can last between seven to 10 days. Four Zika cases involved pregnant women. The Centers for Disease Contol and Prevention is urging pregnant women and couples who are trying to have a baby to avoid traveling to any area where Zika is spreading.