Pope Remains Silent On Zika During Mexico Visit
The country has confirmed six pregnant women have been infected with the virus, but the pontiff did not mention the outbreak during his trip there. In other Zika news, health officials urge Congress to act quickly on approving funding.
The Washington Post:
Mexico Confirms Zika Virus Cases In Pregnant Women As Pope Francis Exits The Country
The spread of the Zika virus, which has accelerated debates over contraception and abortion in Latin American countries that have been hit hardest, continues in Mexico, where Pope Francis has spent the past week. Mexico’s health department said on Tuesday it has confirmed six pregnant women who are infected with the virus, which came as the pope was about to leave the region after a six-day trip to Central America. The pontiff did not mention the virus during his trip, and the Vatican has yet to issue a statement on the issue. (Pulliam Bailey, 2/17)
CQ Healthbeat:
NIH, CDC Push Lawmakers To Fund Zika Request Promptly
Top federal health officials warned Congress Wednesday that they will not be able to effectively carry out a long-term response to the escalating Zika virus crisis if lawmakers don’t provide additional cash – quickly. The National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chiefs also outlined steps that are already underway to combat the emerging Zika virus as they wait for lawmakers to act on an emergency funding request. (Zanona, 2/17)
