Florida's Zika count hits nation-leading 91

MIAMI -- Florida health officials confirmed three new cases of Zika virus in Miami-Dade on Tuesday, raising the statewide total to 91 people infected by the disease since February -- most in the nation -- as President Barack Obama signed legislation fast tracking the regulatory process for developing a vaccine.

The bill signed by the president prioritizes review of Zika virus within the Food and Drug Administration, allowing testing of a Zika vaccine more quickly.

Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health has said the agency hopes to have a possible vaccine ready for human trials in early fall.

Zika virus has hit Florida harder than any other state. Among at least 15 Florida counties affected by Zika virus, Miami-Dade is home to the greatest number of cases with 39 people affected, according to the state's count.

Of the cases confirmed in Florida, four cases are still exhibiting symptoms, which include fever, joint pain, rash and red eyes lasting seven to 10 days, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Florida has reported Zika infections in five pregnant women, who are considered to be at greatest risk from the infectious disease because of a conclusive link between the virus and congenital microcephaly, a condition in which a newborn's head is smaller than expected, which can lead to developmental issues.

The CDC recommends women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to affected areas where Zika is locally transmitted, including much of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Nearly all of Florida's cases were acquired by people traveling outside the country, except for one case of sexual transmission in Polk County.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Florida's Zika count hits nation-leading 91 ."