U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) is calling on Florida Governor Rick Scott to request emergency federal assistance for mosquito control efforts to curb the spread of Zika-carrying mosquitoes.  Hurricane Matthew has caused pools of standing water across the state, which could exacerbate the spread of the virus with Florida quickly approaching 1,000 reported cases.  (Please find a copy of the letter attached and below).

"With Hurricane Matthew leaving pools of standing water scattered across counties impacted by Zika, we must redouble our efforts to fight the spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes," said Murphy.  "With a federal emergency declaration due to this storm, Florida is eligible for additional resources that can assist our local mosquito control boards in this fight."

October 7, 2016

Governor Rick Scott
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Dear Governor Scott:

Thank you for your work to communicate the danger posed by Hurricane Matthew and your pre-emptive request for an Emergency Declaration from President Obama.  Cooperative efforts across all levels of government have gone a tremendous way to protect lives.

As we have seen, Hurricane Matthew poses an incredible risk to human life, with wind speeds and storm surges far exceeding any hurricane threatening Florida in recent history.  Already, on the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches, which were fortunately spared the most extreme conditions, downed trees, coastal flooding, and structural damage have left thousands without power and pools of standing water across the region.

As the only state with active Zika transmission and nearly 1,000 total infections, I am concerned that Hurricane Matthew has created ideal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito to flourish and spread the virus between the standing water and residents without power unable to power their air conditioning.  It is for that reason I respectfully request the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Division of Emergency Management in conjunction with local emergency and health officials request immediate mosquito control assistance under the provisions of the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.  With pools of standing water scattered across counties impacted by the Zika virus, our local mosquito control boards must redouble their efforts.

Again, thank you for urging all Floridians to take Hurricane Matthew’s seriously.  With similar vigilance and preparation, we can stay ahead of the storm’s impact on the threat of the Zika virus.

Sincerely,

Patrick E. Murphy
Member of Congress

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