FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Zika virus concerns are finding their way into Broward County.

Three areas will be sprayed with insecticide, Thursday morning, while spraying will continue until noon in Fort Lauderdale, near Davie Boulevard and Southwest Fourth Avenue.

Davie spraying will continue, as well, near Southwest 16th Street and 130th Avenue.

As for Hallandale Beach, spraying continues near Hallandale Beach Boulevard and Northwest Fifth Avenue.

So far, a total of 47 locally transmitted cases of the Zika virus have been discovered, according to the CDC.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced the latest Zika zone, a 1.5 square mile area in Miami Beach, on Aug. 19. The first U.S. hot zone for locally transmitted cases of Zika was identified in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, in late July.

The mosquito-borne illness is especially dangerous for pregnant women and has been linked to serious birth defects. The CDC has issued a travel advisory for pregnant women to avoid the Zika hot Zones in Miami-Dade County.

In order to boost business in Wynwood, the City of Miami began offering free two hour parking in the area. The free parking will remain in effect until Aug. 31.

If a mosquito carrying Zika does bite, it can take up to two weeks to cause symptoms like:

  • fever
  • headache
  • skin rash
  • joint pain
  • conjunctivitis, which causes red, irritated eyes

The State Surgeon General has activated a 24-hour Zika hotline in Florida to answer questions and concerns. That number is 855-622-6735.

Pregnant women can receive a free test at the Health District Center, located at 1350 NW 14th St in Miami. For more information, call (305)-324-2400.

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