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Florida Gov: Prepare For Zika Virus Like It's A Hurricane

Florida Gov. Rick Scott (right) holds a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 4, at the at the Hillsborough County Health Department after his decision to declare a state of emergency in five counties affected by the Zika virus. Scott explains his plan moving forward and the risk of pregnant women contracting the virus. (Zack Wittman/The Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Florida Gov. Rick Scott (right) holds a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 4, at the at the Hillsborough County Health Department after his decision to declare a state of emergency in five counties affected by the Zika virus. Scott explains his plan moving forward and the risk of pregnant women contracting the virus. (Zack Wittman/The Tampa Bay Times via AP)

TALLAHASSE, Fla. (AP) — Florida's governor says the U.S. government needs to prepare for the Zika virus like it's a hurricane.

Forecasts for a hurricane threatening U.S. coasts trigger certain federal response operations. In a statement Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott says lawmakers and administrators in Washington owe citizens "a vigorous and thorough preparation effort at the federal level" to protect citizens before Zika spreads here.

Scott plans to meet with Congressional leaders about Zika next week. Congress has gridlocked over President Barack Obama's $1.9 billion request for emergency funding to fight Zika.

Scott says many things about Zika remain unknown "like the movements of a hurricane."

Florida health officials have documented over 100 cases in the state, among over 420 cases nationwide. Health officials say all those cases stem from international travel.