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Zika virus in mosquitoes found in US for first time

Zika virus in mosquitoes found in US for first time
Posted at 12:45 PM, Sep 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-01 13:12:47-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Authorities in Florida have found the Zika virus in trapped mosquitoes, the first time this has happened in the continental US.

Officials say 3 mosquitoes from Miami Beach have tested positive. The state agricultural commissioner calls the development disappointing, but not surprising.

The number of non-travel-related Zika infections has grown to 47 in Miami-Dade County since the first case was identified just over a month ago, but mosquito controllers had not been able to find any bugs with the virus.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said 95 more trapped mosquitoes have tested negative since those three were found. Intensive trapping and testing continues.