U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell declared a public health emergency in Puerto Rico Friday in response to the Zika outbreak.
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Among US states and territories, Puerto Rico is expected to see the worst of the Zika outbreak due to its tropical climate and a lack of infrastructure for mosquito control.
In mainland United States, Florida is now in the throes of the first local outbreak.
Zika virus is known to cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects, and has been associated with other adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbrith and serious neurological problems. Those cases stemmed from people who were infected elsewhere and brought the virus into Florida. Officials also hope the warning will alert locals to the threat of Zika virus disease and the need to take more precaution against mosquitos that carry the virus. The declaration made by HHS, which grants access to certain funds, is another example of collaboration between the federal government and the government of Puerto Rico.
The last time HHS declared such an emergency was in 2012 in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which slammed into the New Jersey shore and flooded parts of New York City. We will continue our campaign to guide Puerto Ricans on the steps needed to prevent becoming infected with Zika; especially to prevent the virus from affecting pregnant women. On Thursday, the Obama administration announced it would be diverting $81 million from research and healthcare programs to find a Zika vaccine after a deadlocked Congress refused to approve new funding.
Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla thanked the U.S government for declaring a public health emergency, and recently approved the use of Bti-an organic larvicide-meant to fight the spread of the Zika virus.
The public health emergency declaration may be used by Puerto Rican authorities to apply for funding from the U.S.to hire and train unemployed workers to assist in vector control and outreach and education efforts. While the health department in Florida still believes local transmission is only occurring in a 1-square-mile area in a Miami neighborhood, officials are investigating cases occurring outside of this area.
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Zika was first detected past year in Brazil, where it has taken its heaviest toll so far, and has spread rapidly through Latin America and the Caribbean.
