CDC Continues to Support Florida in Response to Zika Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has and will continue to provide support to Florida to address the Zika outbreak. CDC experts in epidemiology, surveillance and vector control have been on the ground for weeks supporting the state of Florida’s response.

CDC has provided $35 million in federal funds for Zika and emergency response, including public health and emergency preparedness funds for both FY 2015 and 2016 that can be used to purchase items for Zika prevention kits. CDC also has provided 10,000 bottles of DEET for the kits.

CDC is also providing support for Zika lab testing. To date, CDC has shipped enough material for about 2,000 Zika lab tests, the number of tests Florida said would allow them to be at full capacity for Zika testing. After learning this week that Florida needed more materials, CDC is sending another shipment expected to arrive on Thursday, August 25. This gives Florida the ability to conduct 6,300 Zika antibody tests. CDC’s Fort Collins laboratory is also testing specimens from pregnant women for the Florida Department of Health and is working with Florida on other possible support for Zika lab testing.

Source: CDC