CDC announces $3.7 million to combat Zika outbreak in Puerto Rico

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to award the Puerto Rico Department of Health $3.7 million in emergency funding from the Prevention and Public Health Fund to combat the Zika virus outbreak, the agency announced today. Noting that confirmed cases in the territory are roughly doubling weekly, the agency said the department “cannot sufficiently address necessary aspects of the outbreak response without additional support. In addition to equipment and supplies necessary for the increased testing for Zika virus, funds awarded to PRDOH will be used to support additional epidemiology and laboratory staff critical to the response effort.”