Though the response thus far to the Zika virus has been bipartisan, media outlets like The Hill anticipate the contagious virus could soon creep in to politics.
So far the media hype has been minimal relative to Ebola coverage, but if presidential candidates or other high profile politicians start making Zika a big deal, it could unnecessarily grow fears among the American public. As The Hill observed, political hype can blow the actual risk out of proportion.
So far, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has quietly voiced concerns about the issue to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has issued a warning that we may react too late and House Speak Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has discussed the issue with President Barack Obama, according to The Hill.
However, the administration has not been ignoring the virus, but its nature as significantly less of a threat than Ebola elicits a quieter response. It is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, though it can also be transmitted sexually. The virus is not deadly, but it can cause serious birth defects.
Experts told The Hill it is not a serious threat to most Americans, especially because our population is more spread out and more likely to use air conditioning and window screens. However, as the weather gets warmer and the presidential race ramps up, Zika still could become a top-of-mind campaign issue.
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