Even With Hundreds More Cases In U.S., Zika Scares Americans Less Than Ebola
Two-thirds of Americans say they are “not too” or “not at all” worried about Zika. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats say Congress shouldn't take August recess without reaching a Zika funding deal, three more babies in the U.S. are born with Zika-linked birth defects, a look at where the mosquitoes are in California and an expert talks Zika and the Olympics.
The Washington Post:
Americans Were More Worried About Ebola Than They Are About Zika
The global spread of the Zika virus and its links to severe birth defects have yet to worry most Americans, and few are taking measures to limit their exposure to the mosquito-borne disease, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Two-thirds of Americans say they are “not too” or “not at all” worried about Zika infecting them or a family member, while one-third are at least “somewhat worried.” Fewer Americans are concerned about Zika infections today than were worried about the deadly Ebola epidemic at its height. (Dennis, Sun and Clement, 6/30)
The Hill:
Poll Shows Broad Support For More Zika Funding
Nearly three-quarters of respondents in a new national survey — including a majority of Republicans — believe the federal government should spend more to prevent the Zika virus from spreading in the U.S. The new figures, released by the Kaiser Family Foundation Wednesday morning, could up the pressure on congressional leaders as they look to break a weeks-long impasse over Zika funding. (Ferris, 6/30)
The Hill:
Senate Dems: No August Break Without Zika Deal
Top Senate Democrats lashed out at Republicans Thursday, arguing they shouldn't leave for a seven-week recess without reaching a deal to fund the fight against the Zika virus. "We're going on a seven-week vacation ... and unless the Republicans become sensible, the Zika virus will have no work done," Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters. "This is really outrageous that we're going to go on vacation while this national emergency is pending." (Carney, 6/30)
Reuters:
More U.S. Babies With Zika-Related Birth Defects Reported By Health Agency
Three more babies have been born in the United States with birth defects likely linked to Zika virus infections, while another lost pregnancy was linked to the virus, according to figures updated by health officials on Thursday. (Berkrot, 6/30)
KQED:
Here’s Where Zika Mosquitoes Are Likely Found In California
The first thing to know about the mosquito that can carry Zika is that it is not widespread in California. Most of California’s 58 counties do not have — and have never had — any infestation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the most worrisome carrier when it comes to Zika. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has crunched data from across the country and created a national map showing where the Aedes aegypti mosquito has been found any time over the past two decades. We asked CDC for the county-specific data in California. Click on the map above to see how your county fares. (Aliferis, 6/30)
WBUR:
Physician Weighs In On Zika Risk As Athletes Drop Out Of Rio Olympics
The world’s top-ranked golfer, Jason Day, has joined a group of athletes, mainly golfers, who have dropped out of the Olympics because of fears over the Zika virus. The group also includes the American cyclist Tejay van Garderen. The athletes cite family planning concerns as their primary reason for bowing out. The World Heath Organization is advising pregnant women not to travel to countries with Zika outbreaks, but all the athletes canceling their Olympic bids are male. (Young, 6/30)
In other news, scientists for the first time may have unlocked a mystery surrounding Ebola —
The Washington Post:
First-Of-Its-Kind CDC Study Finds Clues About Why Only Some Survive Ebola Virus
The most terrifying aspect of Ebola may not be how it kills but how many. In the outbreak in West Africa that peaked in 2014, about half of people infected with the virus survived. Scientists have been mystified about what distinguishes the lucky ones from the less fortunate. Now, for the first time, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides some clues about what may be going on in people’s bodies, and it turns out that those with severe disease experienced an out-of-control inflammatory response. (Cha, 6/30)