With students returning, local colleges prepare for Zika

Public universities and colleges across the state of Florida are welcoming students back to class this week, and attempting to stay proactive against Zika.

Earlier this week, the State University System and the Florida College System — of which local institutions like University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota and New College of Florida are a part of — announced the recent launch of a joint public awareness campaign called, “Zika Aware: Spill it, Spray it.”

Last week, Gov. Rick Scott held conference calls with the State University System and the Florida College System presidents to brief them on the latest developments and make sure they have the best information on how to keep students safe.

“We will continue to keep an open line of communication with education leaders across the state as we do all we can to fight Zika and keep our families safe,” Scott said in a statement.

The universities, colleges and Department of Health launched the campaign in response to a recent initiative from Scott that Florida’s leaders in the State University System, the Florida College System and K-12 work with the state Department of Health to proactively communicate with students on Zika virus prevention and ensure that educational institutions have a plan to promptly address suspected Zika cases.

The Florida Department of Education, which includes the Florida College System, has partnered with the Florida Department of Health to distribute posters, palm cards, door hangers and other education materials that can be displayed throughout campuses.

Mosquito repellent is also available on college campuses in Miami-Dade, Broward, Martin, Monroe and Palm Beach counties, according to officials.

This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 1:54 PM with the headline "With students returning, local colleges prepare for Zika."