ATLANTA, GA. -- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has just announced that state and local agencies need to prepare for the potential transmission of the Zika Virus in the United States. So far, the Zika Virus is believed to survive in mosquitoes that live as far north as New Jersey, perhaps New York City.
“We must work at all levels of government and all levels of society to reduce the threat to pregnant women,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, according to the Wall Street Journal1.
So far in the United States, there are 312 cases of Zika Virus reported, with 27 cases of the infected pregnant women confirmed, according to the CDC.
Frieden recommended that every state:
- Appoint a Zika coordinator
- Review preparedness plans
- Organize lab testing
- Coordinate public outreach to pregnant women
There is no vaccine at present, so CDC said the best way to prepare is through mosquito abatement.
Many cities and counties in the United States do not have mosquito control programs, so the Obama administration is urging Congress to approve a request for $1.9 billion to supplement public health response.
Read the announcement on the CDC website.
Get prepared with advice and top resources from our expert columnist Ray Barishansky, MPH, MS, CPM.
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