Rick Scott: Prepare for Zika virus like it’s a hurricane

Zika Mosquitoes

Florida’s governor says the U.S. government needs to prepare for the Zika virus like it’s a hurricane.

Forecasts for a hurricane threatening U.S. coasts trigger certain federal response operations. In a statement Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott says lawmakers and administrators in Washington owe citizens “a vigorous and thorough preparation effort at the federal level” to protect citizens before Zika spreads here.

Scott plans to meet with Congressional leaders about Zika next week. Congress has gridlocked over President Barack Obama‘s $1.9 billion request for emergency funding to fight Zika.

Scott says many things about Zika remain unknown “like the movements of a hurricane.”

Florida health officials have documented over 100 cases in the state, among over 420 cases nationwide. Health officials say all those cases stem from international travel.

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.

Associated Press



#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, William March, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Jesse Scheckner, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704