Congress fails on Zika virus

Andrew W. Gurman, M.D., President of the American Medical Association, has expressed disappointment in the failure of Congress to support the US public health response to Zika Virus:

At a time when concerns continue to mount about the nation’s readiness to protect the public from the Zika virus, the AMA is disappointed by Congress’ failure to pass legislation before adjourning for summer recess that would provide the resources necessary for our country to respond to this looming public health crisis.

Without ensuring there are sufficient resources available for research, prevention, control and treatment of illnesses associated with the Zika virus, the United States will be ill-equipped to deploy the kind of public health response needed to keep our citizens safe and healthy, especially since the spread of mosquito-borne illness is accelerated during the summer months.

I could not agree more with the AMA – Congress has so far failed to do the right thing with respect to Zika virus. Even if the virus does not spread within the continental United States, this country has an obligation to be a leader in scientific research that would benefit the entire world. Zika virus is clearly a threat to other parts of the globe, and by refusing to fund research on this virus, Congress is sending the message that it doesn’t care about the health problems of others.