The Latest: Governor announces 4 new Zika cases in Miami

MIAMI – The Latest on Zika infections in Miami (all times local):

4 p.m.

Florida’s governor has announced four new cases of Zika virus infection that health officials believe were spread by mosquitoes in a Miami neighbourhood.

Florida now has 21 people who contracted the virus locally. According to a statement Tuesday from Gov. Rick Scott’s office, the Florida Department of Health still believes active transmissions are only happening within a 1-square-mile area in Miami’s Wynwood arts district.

Hillary Clinton, who visited Miami on Tuesday, is calling on Congress to immediately return to Washington to pass legislation to provide emergency funding for Zika testing, treatment and research.

The Democratic presidential candidate toured a health clinic near the Wynwood area. Clinton’s running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, has already said he’d return to Washington for a vote on a Zika bill.

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11:15 a.m.

Business owners in Miami’s Wynwood arts district say they’ve been losing money since local Zika infections were announced, and they’re asking government officials for help.

The Miami Herald (http://hrld.us/2aHVLZf) reports the Wynwood Business Improvement District held an emergency meeting Monday to urge local, state and federal authorities to speed up mosquito eradication efforts.

They also want recovery funds for retailers, gallery owners and restaurateurs who say visitors have stopped coming.

Health officials say transmission of the mosquito-borne virus has been limited to an area less than 1 square mile just north of downtown Miami. Pregnant women have been advised not to travel to Wynwood. Pregnant residents were urged to take extra steps to avoid mosquito bites.

The Herald reports tourism officials promise to promote special deals and events in Wynwood.

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Information from: The Miami Herald, http://www.herald.com