Gov. Scott declares Zika emergency

TAMPA (AP) — Gov. Rick Scott declared a health emergency in four counties Wednesday after at least nine cases of the mosquito-borne Zika illness were detected in Florida.

Health officials believe all of the cases are from people who contracted the disease while traveling to affected countries.

"We have to ensure Florida is prepared and stays ahead of the spread of the Zika virus in our state," Scott said in a statement. "We know that we must be prepared for the worst even as we hope for the best."

Scott signed the order to cover Miami-Dade, Lee, Hillsborough and Santa Rosa counties. That's where all of the affected cases were detected.

Florida health officials urge precautions against Zika virus

The order allows the state's agriculture department to use mosquito spray more in those areas. It also directs the Florida Department of Health to make its own decisions about what's needed from the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Zika virus is linked to brain deformities in babies and is causing concern among public health officials worldwide. The illness is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but investigators have been exploring the possibility it could be sexually transmitted.

U.S. health officials say a person in Texas became infected with Zika through sex, in the first case of the illness being transmitted within the United States.