DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Division of Disease Control

RULE NO.:          RULE TITLE:

64DER16-1         Diseases or Conditions to be Reported

64DER16-2         Procedures for Control of Specific Communicable Diseases

SPECIFIC REASONS FOR FINDING AN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO THE PUBLIC, HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE:  Zika fever, a dengue-like illness caused by a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has been identified in several countries in Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean including Puerto Rico. Outbreaks have previously been reported in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. The World Health Organization has reported an increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in areas experiencing Zika virus outbreaks. The World Health Organization has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern related to the Zika virus on February 1, 2016. At this time, there have been twelve (12) confirmed travel-related cases of the Zika virus (none of which have been pregnant women) in the state of Florida. On February 3, 2016, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 16-29 directing the Surgeon General to declare a Public Health Emergency related to the spread of the Zika virus in Florida. A Public Health Emergency has been declared by the Surgeon General in five (5) counties in accordance with the Executive Order. The Surgeon General's Declaration of a Public Health Emergency has been transmitted to the Commissioner of Agriculture for issuance of a mosquito declaration, as needed pursuant to section 388.45, Florida Statutes. There is an immediate need to adopt rules setting forth the procedures to control the spread of the Zika virus to protect the health, safety and welfare of Florida's citizens and those persons traveling within Florida.     Read More