The new monies will add to the $18 million in state funds Texas has already dedicated to combating Zika. The additional funds come after the state announced the detection of four more cases of Zika likely transmitted by local mosquitoes. The first possible local case was reported on Nov. 28. The four additional cases were reported on Dec. 9.
“Now that Texas has confirmed cases of local transmission of the Zika virus, this money will be crucial in our efforts to contain and combat further transmission of the virus,” said Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. “Texas has been at the forefront of developing and implementing the strongest possible Zika response plan and we will continue to work with our local and federal partners to ensure our communities have the tools they need to combat the Zika virus.”
More articles on the Zika virus:
Zika replicates in placenta and fetal brain tissue, study finds
HHS awards $40M to US territories for Zika fight
Last zone of local Zika transmission lifted in Miami Beach
