The CDC awarded the state of Texas $5 million in Zika funding as part of the agency's Public Health Preparedness and Response campaign, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
The new monies will add to the $18 million in state funds Texas has already dedicated to combating Zika. The additional funds come after the state announced the detection of four more cases of Zika likely transmitted by local mosquitoes. The first possible local case was reported on Nov. 28. The four additional cases were reported on Dec. 9.
"Now that Texas has confirmed cases of local transmission of the Zika virus, this money will be crucial in our efforts to contain and combat further transmission of the virus," said Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. "Texas has been at the forefront of developing and implementing the strongest possible Zika response plan and we will continue to work with our local and federal partners to ensure our communities have the tools they need to combat the Zika virus."