US identifies new Zika zone in Miami

Manufacturing Associate Theodore Szmurlo views a cell sample with a microscope as he works in the cell culture room where they are working on developing a vaccine for the Zika virus based on production of recombinant variations of the E protein from the Zika virus at the Protein Sciences Inc. headquarters in Meriden, Connecticut, US, June 20, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON -- The US state of Florida said Thursday it has identified a new local transmission area of the Zika virus in Miami.

Governor Rick Scott of Florida said in a statement five people, two women and three men, has been infected with Zika in the one-square-mile (2.6-square-kilometer) area of Miami-Dade County.

"Today's announcement of a new area in Miami of ongoing local transmission of the Zika virus underscores the urgent need for federal funding to combat the Zika virus," Scott said.

"It has been two weeks since federal funding to fight Zika was approved by Congress and signed by President (Barack) Obama. However, Florida has not yet received a dime. We don't need bureaucratic timelines -- we need funding now."

Currently, Miami-Dade County remained the only area in the US with ongoing active transmissions of Zika.

Florida has allocated $61.2 million in state funds to combat Zika, including 12.6 million dollars to Miami-Dade County, according to Scott.