U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) is again calling for collective action from all levels of government as well as citizen vigilance in the fight against Zika as Florida surpassed 1,000 reported cases yesterday.  This is especially urgent after Hurricane Matthew left pools of standing water across Zika-impacted communities, which can serve as breeding grounds for Zika-carrying mosquitoes.  On Friday, Murphy called on Governor Scott to request emergency federal assistance for mosquito control efforts to curb the spread of the disease after the storm (read here).  Additionally, he authored a Medium post urging Floridians to do their part in this fight by draining standing water (read here).  

"While it was great to see Congress finally pass critical Zika funding in September, the reality is that Florida is still experiencing a growing public health crisis – a crisis that could be quickly and massively exacerbated by Hurricane Matthew leaving ample breeding ground for Zika-carrying mosquitoes," said Murphy.  

"This is not and should have never been a time for drawing partisan or jurisdictional lines.  The urgent need for collective action could not be more clear as Florida tops 1,000 cases,"  Murphy continued.  "The federal government should expeditiously disburse emergency Zika funds for mosquito control, particularly in hurricane-impacted communities, and the state should increase its support in areas with heightened transmission risk and standing water.  Floridians must also do their part by draining standing water and wearing bug spray, long sleeves, and pants while outside.

"As we continue fighting the Zika virus in Florida, we must all work together to stop its spread."

In addition to being a leading advocate for emergency Zika funding since February, Murphy introduced the SMASH Act to provide resources for local mosquito control programs and health departments.  He also called on Florida Governor Rick Scott to expand Medicaid and release family planning dollars to help combat the spread of Zika, successfully pushed the FDA to expand Zika testing of blood donations, and requested the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provide researches with the tools needed for vaccine development.

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