WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
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.
