CDC awards $16 million to help states, territories detect Zika-related birth defects

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today awarded 40 states and territories between $200,000 and $720,000 each to enhance their information gathering to rapidly detect microcephaly and other birth defects caused by Zika virus. The funding also will help them refer infants and families to appropriate health and social services, and monitor health and developmental outcomes of children affected by Zika, the agency said. CDC last month awarded $25 million in preparedness and response funding to areas at risk for outbreaks of Zika.