Ohio to receive funds to fight Zika

Ohio will receive $476,865 in federal funding to combat the threat of the Zika virus. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said the funding comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will be awarded to Ohio’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative to help ready local public health entities to respond to the Zika virus and protect Americans.

“With warmer temperatures on the way, this money will help equip communities to respond to Zika and protect Ohioans,” Brown said. “Ohio will be able to better respond to the threat of Zika, identify cases, and prevent its spread.”

The funding can be used to identify and investigate a possible outbreak of Zika virus in communities; coordinate a comprehensive response across all levels of government and non-governmental partners, including the healthcare sector; and identify and connect families affected by Zika to community services. Funding can also be used to purchase preparedness resources like repellent, screens, and supplies for Zika Prevention Kits.

According to a recent joint news release, the Scioto County Health Department and the Portsmouth City Health Department, the Zika virus is primarily transmitted through a mosquito bite. There is no indication that it can be spread through casual contact. Of the individuals infected with the virus, 80 percent do not exhibit any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are often flu like in nature and can last from several days to a week. These symptoms can include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis or red eye and headache. Hospitalization due to severe symptoms is uncommon.

By Frank Lewis

[email protected]

Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.

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