Mosquitoes with Zika virus land stateside: What happens next?

The confirmation that mosquitoes in Miami have now infected 14 residents with Zika virus led to a series of fast-acting emergency responses. Florida asked for more preparedness help, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention responded by sending eight experts to Miami to work on lab testing, vector control and Zika prevention for pregnant women.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, MD, will host a conference call about Zika preparedness at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Anyone may participate by calling (888) 769-8753, participant passcode: 9886820.

Zika funding status

Congress remains in recess, and there’s still no Zika funding package. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell warned Congress that the money currently available to fight Zika is on the verge of running out, the Associated Press reports.

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Earlier this year President Barack Obama sent a proposal to Congress seeking almost $2 billion in funding for research, development of vaccines and diagnostic testing for Zika virus. Congress has yet to approve the legislation.

Beware of Zika scams

As Zika becomes a widespread public health issue, the scams begin. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a warning about products that claim to prevent Zika and threatened manufacturers that he would “shut them down,” calling the marketing of worthless products to concerned parents “absolutely shameless.” The Atlantic details some of the scam products.

Visit the AOA’s Zika Virus Resource Center for physician resources on the virus.