On Tuesday, Florida officials warned efforts to control the Zika virus in Florida could be hindered by the arrival of Hurricane Matthew, according to Newsmax.
Heavy winds from the powerful hurricane would render mosquito control efforts, like spraying for mosquitoes, ineffective. According to Newsmax, regarding the arrival of the hurricane, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said "the Zika prevention efforts will have to stop during those times."
Additionally, massive rainfall generated by the storm could incite widespread flooding and subsequently create more breeding ground for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are the primary vectors of the Zika virus.
According to Newsmax, Gov. Rick Scott (R) encouraged Floridians to drain standing water near their properties prior to the hurricane's arrival.
On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Health increased the number of locally acquired Zika cases in the state by six to 139.
On Wednesday, according to CBS NEWS, Gov. Scott, regarding the sum total of the potential damage of Hurricane Matthew, said "the effects of the storm will be devastating."
More articles on the Zika virus:
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CDC official contradicts whistleblower's claim regarding inaccurate Zika tests