Governors Join Growing Chorus Of Voices Calling For End To Zika Funding Impasse
The National Governors Association wrote a letter to Congress urging it find a compromise on funding to combat the virus and then "act as expeditiously as possible to ensure those funds are available to states, territories and the public at large." Meanwhile, Puerto Rico's financial crisis could hamper its fight against Zika, a pregnant Connecticut teen has tested positive for the virus, and a county in Florida gets its first confirmed case.
Politico:
Governors Push Congress To Approve Emergency Zika Funding
The National Governors Association is calling on Congress to quickly strike a deal on emergency funding to respond to the Zika virus, as the number of confirmed cases in the United States climbs to nearly 500. "The nation's governors urge the administration and Congress to work together to reach agreement on the appropriate funding levels needed to prepare for and combat the Zika virus," the governors said in a statement. (Ehley, 5/9)
Marketplace:
Puerto Rico's Debt Could Hurt A Response To Zika
Questions continue to swirl around Puerto Rico's $72 billion financial crisis as U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew visited the territory Monday. Amid concerns about how the island's government can pay off the debt, officials are also worried about health implications. (Tam, 4/9)
The Associated Press:
Pregnant Connecticut Teen Shocked To Learn She Has Zika
A Connecticut teenager says she was shocked she tested positive for the Zika virus after learning she was pregnant. Sara Mujica, 17, of Danbury, said she found out she was pregnant in March while she was visiting Victor Cruz, her fiance and the baby's father, in Honduras. At the time of the pregnancy test, she said she was getting over an illness that gave her rashes, headaches and neck aches. She thought it was related to fish she had eaten, not Zika. (Collins, 5/9)
The Tampa Bay Times:
Pinellas County Has Its First Zika Case; Brings Florida Total To 107
The first case of Zika has been recorded in Pinellas County, the state Department of Health said Monday. The person who contracted the virus had recently traveled to the Dominican Republic. (McGrory, 5/9)
