Locally Acquired Zika Cases Hit 30 Amid Stepped Up Mosquito Control

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Florida health officials said there are two more cases of locally acquired Zika virus in Miami-Dade County - totaling 30 local transmissions as of Monday.

The two new cases are believed to have come from the Zika zone in Wynwood, according to the Florida Department Of Health (DOH).

"While we have learned there are two new individuals that contracted the Zika virus through mosquito bites in our state, we still believe local transmissions are only occurring in an area that is less than one square mile in Wynwood," said Florida Governor Rick Scott.

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Despite that, the department of health is also investigating four areas in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties (three locations in Miami-Dade and one in Palm Beach) where they think local transmission of the virus may have occurred.

The virus is still affecting businesses in the area of Wynwood. Adam Gersten, owner of Gramps, a live entertainment venue in the neighborhood said it's still been a little slow. He believes some businesses had high of expectations for this past weekend's Art Walk event.

Weather probably had more of an impact but it wasn't as bad as he's projected.

"We have projected actually worse, based on the week before so things were actually better this weekend over the prior weekend so that's very encouraging sign," said Gersten.

Business leaders in Wynwood are trying to see the long-term positive effects the national spotlight could have on the colorful neighborhood. While some hear Zika, others will see a place they'd like to visit.

"It's a really interesting, other side of the coin, so many people are learning about Wynwood through this sort of kind of rough stay but they're catching a glimpse and they're like wow this is kind of a neat place I want to come check it out," said Gersten.

As for the fight against the spread, the department was sending additional commercial pest control companies on Monday.

"Today, to ensure the county has every possible tool to fight Zika, DOH will be sending in additional commercial pest control companies to assist with local mosquito control efforts in Miami-Dade County," said Scott.

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The department is also working with mosquito control experts from around the state to provide guidance to the county on best practices for mosquito control.

Meantime, Scott says the department is trying to make sure Miami-Dade County has the additional funding requested by Mayor Carlos Gimenez on Friday.

Click here for more information on the Zika virus or here for more Zika-related stories.