As Zika Fears Grow, Research Quickens But Fight May Be Hampered By Regional Disparities
Stat profiles research in a monkey lab, while The Washington Post looks at how many counties across the country are not prepared to fund a fight against the mosquitoes carrying the virus. Also, news outlets describe developments in the states.
Stat:
Inside A Monkey Lab, Research Gets Fast-Tracked In The ‘Zika Room’
Primate research is usually slow and secretive, its protocols vetted and tweaked and vetted again before being carried out by a special team of veterinarians and technicians. But as more and more Zika-infected women start giving birth to babies with defects, a handful of labs — including the one here at the University of Wisconsin, Madison — have fast-tracked the process. (Boodman, 6/27)
The Washington Post:
Without Federal Funding, Counties Brace To Confront Zika On Their Own
Communities across the country are preparing for the arrival of the Zika virus, but they aren’t preparing equally. One county is ready to leap into action with a fleet of helicopters and planes to spray for disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Others facing a similar risk of the disease can’t afford much more than educational coloring books. Some localities have signed up private contractors to wage war on disease-carrying mosquitoes. For others, the only line of defense is an overworked parks employee responsible for all kinds of maintenance — “Chuck in the truck,” as one expert put it. (Dennis and Sun, 6/25)
The Boston Globe:
In Florida, The Politics Of Zika Matter
Anxious residents are looking to health experts to help them cope with the dangers of Zika, a virus that can result in devastating birth defects. In a presidential election that Democrats hope will hinge on questions of competent leadership, Hillary Clinton is pouncing on the public health threat. (Jan, 6/26)
The Associated Press:
Florida Keys Delays Residents' Vote On GMO Mosquitoes
Florida Keys officials have delayed a referendum on releasing genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce the population of a disease-carrying species. (6/24)
The Associated Press:
Scott Orders State To Spend $26 Million On Zika Fight
Florida Gov. Rick Scott is ordering the state to spend millions to battle mosquitoes and prepare for the Zika virus. Scott on Thursday used his emergency powers to authorize spending up to $26.2 million on everything from killing mosquitoes to the purchase of Zika prevention kits. The Florida Department of Health will send the money to counties and mosquito districts. (6/24)
Cincinnati Enquirer:
NKY Reports First Case Of Zika Virus
With summer barely a week old, Northern Kentucky public health officials announced Friday that a Boone County man is the area’s first resident to come down with Zika virus after he visited an area where the illness has been found. Ohio, meanwhile, recorded its first sexual transmission of Zika virus, in a 61-year-old Lucas County woman whose husband traveled to a country with active transmission. He also positive for the virus. They are Ohio’s 15th and 16th Zika virus cases. (Daly and Saker, 6/24)
Chicago Tribune:
Health Officials Monitor Zika And West Nile Viruses
With the onset of summer and the recent upsurge of confirmed Zika virus cases in the United States, local health departments are working to raise awareness of the disease and of West Nile disease. (Anderson, 6/24)
PoliticoPro:
Texas Launches $2 Million Zika Awareness Ad Campaign
Texas launches as $2 million Zika awareness campaign; New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs opioid legislation; Rhode Island's state employee health plan begins covering transgender health services. (Ehley, 6/27)
