Curbelo introduces bill to minimize impact of Zika virus in the U.S.

Legislation introduced on Thursday by U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) would take steps to prepare for and prevent the spread of Zika virus in the United States.

The Zika Eradication and Good Government Act, H.R. 5031, would require all unobligated funds allocated for Ebola in the fiscal year 2015 omnibus spending bill be put toward Zika preparedness.

“The Zika virus has wreaked havoc throughout Central America, South America and the Caribbean, and we have seen countless pregnant women infected which results in devastating fetal brain defects,” Curbelo said. “The United States must be prepared for the first domestic transmission of the virus, especially as the summer mosquito season begins and international travel is more frequent. For these reasons, I have filed legislation that will maximize the federal government’s coordination in response to eradicating Zika, all while ensuring adequate funds are made available and the taxpayer is protected.”

The bill also calls for collaboration between agencies that receive funding to prepare for Zika, as well as reports to Congress on progress made. It would also establish that no new emergency supplemental funds would be appropriated until previous Ebola funding is disbursed.

“H.R. 5031 is an important first step forward in the critical preparation that is necessary to mitigate the impacts of Zika, should it significantly impact that United States,” Curbelo said. “The World Health Organization declared Zika to be a public health emergency of international concern on Feb. 1, 2016. As of April 14, 87 cases of Zika have been identified in Florida and another 380 cases have been reported across the country. It is time for the federal government to be proactive in protecting the citizens of the United States, and this bill ensures the resources are available to the appropriate agencies and they are working in unison to keep us safe.”