Zika Virus- Achievements, Priorities, $184 Million to Continue the Fight, and Travelling

 

Zika Virus—10 Public Health Achievements in 2016 and Future Priorities– “Seventy years after CDC was founded to fight mosquitoes that carried malaria, CDC found itself entrenched in combat with another mosquito-borne illness, Zika virus.  CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to fight Zika on January 22, 2016, after a widespread Zika outbreak in the Americas was linked to a large increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly.  As the emergency response approaches one year, CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report highlights 10 critical contributions towards the fight against Zika virus this year.  Click here for a collection of the most up-to-date, cleared information on the ongoing Zika virus outbreak.”  (CDC, 6 January 2017).

CDC Awards Nearly $184 Million to Continue the Fight Against Zika– “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today it is awarding nearly $184 million in funding to states, territories, local jurisdictions, and universities to support efforts to protect Americans from Zika virus infection and associated adverse health outcomes, including microcephaly and other serious birth defects.  These awards are part of the $350 million in funding provided to CDC under the Zika Response and Preparedness Appropriations Act of 2016.  ‘Zika continues to be a threat to pregnant women,’ said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.  ‘States, territories, and communities need this CDC funding to fight Zika and protect the next generation of Americans.’  With remaining supplemental funds, CDC will continue important work, including sending emergency response teams to states with Zika outbreaks to partner with state and local public health officials; providing reference and surge laboratory capacity for the nation; providing a framework for tracking pregnancies and births affected by Zika; helping states deploy and target effective mosquito control; and supporting timely, accurate, and effective communication to the public and health care providers.”  (CDC, 22 December 2016).

Zika Virus: Plan for Travel– “It’s a great time to plan a trip.  But whether you are visiting family and friends or taking a vacation, there are always health risks to keep in mind. That’s why the CDC wants to make sure you stay healthy and Zika-free during your travels and once you return home.  Travel should be enjoyable and stress-free. Give yourself one less thing to worry about and sign up for Zika updates today.  Text PLAN to 855-255-5606.  For more information on Zika and travel, visit cdc.gov/travel.”  (CDC, 22 December 2016).