Watch CBS News

Miami-Dade Steps Up Fight Against Zika Virus

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - Miami-Dade is getting proactive in their attempts to stop the spread of the Zika virus.

On Tuesday, the county's commission passed an ordinance allowing authorities to take "necessary corrective action" during a public health emergency to reduce mosquito breeding sites if property owners don't do so within two days of receiving a warning.

Commissioner Levine Cava said the measure was needed to protect public health.

The ordinance clarifies existing law requiring property owners to remove containers of standing water. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which carry the Zika virus, live in and around people's homes and can breed in very small containers of water.

Miami-Dade County has reported the most Zika cases in the state. All the Florida cases stem from infections acquired out of the country.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.