Sen. Mazie K. Hirono has announced $1.1 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will fund the fight against the Zika virus in Hawaii.
Sen. Mazie K. Hirono has announced $1.1 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will fund the fight against the Zika virus in Hawaii.
The money will be used to “bolster Hawaii’s lab-testing capacity as well as a variety of education and vector-control measures.”
Hawaii is preparing for mosquito suppression, but also to support mothers and babies affected by Zika, said Hawaii State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.
Funds will come from programs that fight vectors, strengthen lab capacity, speed outbreak response, strengthen coordination between first responders and maintain surveillance and rapid detection of a serious birth defect Zika can trigger known as microcephaly.
Health officials have advised pregnant women to avoid contact with mosquitos in areas where Zika is circulating. Currently, Zika is not believed to be present in Hawaii.