US Senate approves $1.1bn emergency fund to combat Zika virus

Through a 68-30 vote, the house has supported the release of emergency funding to restrict the Zika virus.

Recently, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) urged the US Congress to fund the Zika virus prevention and research.

Last month, lawmakers failed to approve the US Government’s request for $1.9bn in emergency funding made in February.

Zika virus is a member of the virus family Flavivirida, which is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti and A. albopictus.

In pregnant women, Zika infections will cause microcephaly, which is a medical condition in which the brain does not develop properly resulting in a smaller than normal head.

Democratic’s Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown said: "With warmer temperatures on the way, we’ve got to ensure that communities in Ohio and across the US have the resources to raise awareness about Zika, prevent the spread of the disease, and accelerate the development of a vaccine.

"This emergency funding is a good step, and though I’m disappointed we failed to match the President’s request, it is important we approve this funding now and not after it’s too late.

"This funding will help support our local and state health departments so they are prepared to fight Zika head on."

Image: Zika virus capsid, colored per chains. Photo: courtesy of Manuel Almagro Rivas.