CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expected Zika to reach the U.S. and that individual cases and small clusters of infections are possible in the U.S. but widespread infections are unlikely.
American Medical Association President Andrew Gurman, however, urged members of Congress to resolve the difference and provide funding necessary to fight the virus.
“As we have anticipated, Zika is now here,” Frieden said.
Frieden explained that the population should not become alarmed if more cases are reported because many of the infected are asymptomatic. And the four Miami Zika victims were bit by a mosquito that had already bit someone with the virus.
The source of the recent cases is a reported 1-mile radius in Miami; two of the victims worked in neighboring worksites in the Winwood neighborhood. As it was sprayed directly after the source of the virus became known, there’s no real cause for alarm, he explained.
[Also: Zika cases confirmed in Florida may have been contracted in Miami]
“With Zika, it’s a very focal disease. The mosquito doesn’t travel more than 150 meters in its lifetime,” Frieden said in reference to the Aedes species mosquitoes, which are the known transmitters of the disease.
Florida has exhibited aggressive mosquito control by spraying from trucks and backpacks, which Friedan said was the correct course of action to kill both larvae and adult mosquitoes that potentially carry the virus.
Additionally, the CDC is providing both lab assistance and help with controlling the infection. Friedman stated, “We’re ready to go as soon as they ask.”
American Medical Association President Andrew Gurman, MD had words for Congress in light of the Florida infections.
“This should be a wake-up call to Congress and the Administration that they must resolve their differences and immediately make the necessary resources available for our country to combat the growing threat of the virus,” Gurman said. “Congress and the Administration must act as quickly as possible to ensure that our country is able to deploy the kind of public health response necessary to keep our citizens safe and healthy.”
Friedman also explained that the CDC is taking a pragmatic approach and encouraging pregnant women to take precautions when going outside, by wearing long sleeves and pants and through the use of Deet- insect repellent. Further, the partners of pregnant women at risk for Zika should wear protection during sexual intercourse.
Twitter: @JessieFDavis
Email the writer: jessica.davis@himssmedia.com
