Gov. Rick Scott authorizes $25 million to combat Zika virus

Mosquito

Last week, Governor Rick Scott announced that $25 million in state funds will be authorized to support research to develop a vaccine against the Zika virus and enhance Zika testing methods.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there’s no vaccine or specific treatment. Instead the focus is on relieving symptoms and includes rest, rehydration, and acetaminophen for fever and pain.

Governor Scott said, “We must focus on finding a vaccine and enhancing our Zika testing capabilities to further protect pregnant women and their developing babies.”

The $25 million in state funding will be allocated following a competitive grant process by the Florida Department of Health. This funding goes directly to Zika research, including: expediting the development of a vaccine to prevent Zika infection; and the development of innovative, cost-effective Zika testing methods.

To date, Governor Scott has used his emergency executive authority to authorize $61.2 million in state funds for Zika, including $26.2 million in July, $10 million last week for Zika preparedness and preparation and $25 million today for research and development.

Florida has a Zika Virus Information Hotline managed by the Department of Health that can be reached at 1-855-622-6735.

 

Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in social media marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Social Media Management from the University of Florida and a Social Media Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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