Florida confirms 4 zika cases likely spread by mosquitos
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US health officials have cautioned for months that the summer mosquito season was likely to bring local outbreaks, with Gulf Coast states such as Florida, Texas and Louisiana, on the front
lines. The current Zika outbreak was first detected in Brazil last year, triggering global alarm amid evidence that the virus could cause a rare birth defect in infants and other severe
neurological abnormalities. Brazil has confirmed over 1,600 cases of microcephaly linked to Zika infection in pregnant women. The condition is defined by unusually small infant head size and
related profound developmental problems. Zika’s US arrival comes with Congress in recess after failing to reach agreement over how much funding could be used to fight an outbreak. The Obama
administration has requested $1.9 billion to finance research, mosquito control and other prevention efforts.