The CDC has awarded $16 million to 40 state and territory health departments to enhance rapid detection of microcephaly and other adverse outcomes linked to the Zika virus. The awarded funds are a stopgap measure and are being diverted from other public health resources until Congress resumes session and passes emergency Zika funds.
The funds were distributed to states and territories based on the risk of Zika transmission, population need and the availability of fiscal resources.
The funds distributed by the CDC will also be used to ensure infants and their families are referred to appropriate health and social services and allow states to monitor the health and developmental outcomes of children born with congenital birth defects related to the Zika virus.
"It is critical to identify infants with birth defects related to Zika virus so we can support them and their families," said Tom Frieden, MD, the director of the CDC. "This CDC funding provides real-time data about the Zika epidemic as it unfolds in the United States and territories and will help those most devastated by this virus."
Find a complete list of the 40 health departments receiving the stopgap funds here.
More articles on the Zika virus:
CDC issues Miami travel warning after 10 new Zika cases identified
4 Florida Zika cases likely caused by local mosquitoes, officials say
FDA halts blood collection in 2 Fla. counties over Zika fears