CDC announces Zika preparedness funds

Fifty-three U.S. states, cities and territories with mosquitos that could carry Zika virus can apply through June 13 for a portion of $25 million in fiscal year 2016 funding to prepare and respond to a potential outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced today. Recipients can use the funds to identify and investigate a possible Zika outbreak in their communities; coordinate a response across the government, health care and other partners; and identify and connect affected families to community services, the agency said. It expects to award the grants around Aug. 1. Earlier this year, states and cities participating in the Epidemiology and Lab Capacity program became eligible for more than $60 million to build laboratory capacity, enhance surveillance, improve mosquito control, keep blood supplies safe, and contribute data to the U.S. Zika Pregnancy registry. Applications for those funds are due May 27 and will be disbursed this summer. For more information, visit www.grants.gov.