First Case of Zika-Related Microcephaly Reported in Florida

Zika virus-related microcephaly has been reported for the first time in Florida.

A woman from Haiti gave birth to a child with microcephaly in the state, the Florida Department of Health said today.

Officials noted that the mother contracted the disease when she was out of the U.S. Her name and location were not disclosed.

There have been two other cases of women in the U.S. giving birth to children with Zika-related microcephaly. In both of those cases, the women contracted the disease while outside of the country, according to health officials.

While Zika often causes mild symptoms, the virus has been found to cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly, which is characterized by an abnormally small head. A total of 223 people in Florida, including 40 pregnant women, have been suspected or confirmed of being infected with the Zika virus. There have been no cases where people were infected by mosquitoes while in the U.S., according to health officials.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in the 24 counties where people have been diagnosed with the Zika virus.