Push For More Funding To Fight Against Zika Virus
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A push for more federal dollars to fight against the Zika virus. Right now, the Center for Disease Control says there are nearly 200 cases of the mosquito-borne virus in the U.S.
Marcus Washington reports their fear is that number could severely increase.
The scare of Zika virus seemed to be that of a far away land, but now the virus is putting Americans and Marylanders at risk.
"The real problem is that if you are a pregnant woman and you acquire Zika virus, there's a potential that it can affect the unborn baby and cause congenital abnormalities, particularly microcephaly, or a small head and a small brain," said Howard Haft, Department of Mental Hygiene.
According to the Center for Disease Control, there are 193 reported cases of Zika in the United States--four of those cases from Maryland.
Now there is a warning for everyone as warmer weather approaches and mosquitoes find places to breed.
"Things like your flower pots or a leftover tire in the yard or a corrugated tube some place that might have a small amount of water. That is what these mosquitoes love," Haft said.
While there is no immediate risk to people in Maryland, it is advised that if you're pregnant, avoid certain countries where the virus is actively being spread, like Mexico.
Babies born to women with the virus suffer from birth defects that cause small heads and brains.
"We're kind of looking forward to going on a tropical cruise. But again, it's nothing worth putting the baby at risk at all," said Min Kim, expectant mother.
For anyone traveling to those areas prevalent to the virus: "If you're out, make sure that you're wearing long pants and long shirts to protect yourself from mosquitoes, being bitten, and use a mosquito repellent. Those are the really important things to do right now," said Haft.
Health officials are asking Congress for $1.9 billion to fight the virus in Latin America and prevent it from spreading to the continental U.S. Some of the money would also go to Puerto Rico.
