Doctors CouncilDemand Congress to Fund the Fight Against the Zika Virus!
The Zika virus is relatively new to the Americas and is spread by the Aedes mosquito. Although there have been no reports of instances of transmission from the mosquito in the U.S., there has been from travelers, and the virus can also be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her fetus, and possibly through sexual contact. Because the Aedes mosquito is also found in the U.S., it is expected that there will be more reports of infection.
With mosquito populations expected to expand in the coming warmer months, it is urgent that we support our neighbors in Central and South America to control this disease outbreak. There’s currently no vaccine for this virus that causes illness to pregnant women and puts the fetus at high risk of severe birth defects.Emergency funding is needed to not only go towards mosquito control and transmission prevention, but to aid affected low-income communities with health care services.
By signing the petition in the link below you will help urge House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce and the U.S. Congress to approve President Obama’s request for $1.8 billion in necessary emergency funding to fight this very serious health threat to the Americas.