Governor seeks CDC help as mosquitos blamed for 10 more Zika cases in Miami

MIAMI (FOX 13) - Florida officials said 10 more cases of locally-contracted Zika virus have been identified in Miami, bringing the total number of cases stemming from mosquito bites in Florida up to 14.

Officials said the new Zika cases are in the same area of Miami as the initial four cases.  Six of the new cases are asymptomatic and were identified through door-to-door testing by the Department of Health.

“Today, DOH has confirmed that 10 additional people have contracted the Zika virus locally, likely through a mosquito bite," Gov. Rick Scott said in a written statement announcing the new cases. "DOH has been testing individuals in three locations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties for possible local transmissions through mosquito bites. Based on DOH’s investigations, two locations have been ruled out for possible local transmissions of the Zika virus. DOH believes local transmissions are still only occurring in the same square mile area of Miami."

The CDC has now issued a notice to women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant to avoid "unnecessary travel" to the impacted area just north of downtown Miami.

Governor Scott is calling on the CDC to activate an emergency response team to assist Florida.

“Following today’s announcement, I have requested that the CDC activate their Emergency Response Team to assist DOH in their investigation, research and sample collection efforts. Their team will consist of public health experts whose role is to augment our response efforts to confirmed local transmissions of the Zika virus," Scott continued.

The state Surgeon General has a Zika Virus Information Hotline for Florida residents and visitors, as well as anyone planning on traveling to Florida in the near future: 1-855-622-6735.

Gov. Scott is holding a Zika meeting in Pinellas County today. Stay with FOX 13 for more.