Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Puerto Rico's Landscape, Climate and Economy Create Perfect Storm For Zika Outbreak
On an inexorable march across the hemisphere, the Zika virus has begun spreading through Puerto Rico, now the United States’ front line in a looming epidemic. The outbreak is expected to be worse here than anywhere else in the country. The island, a warm, wet paradise veined with gritty poverty, is the ideal environment for the mosquitoes carrying the virus. The landscape is littered with abandoned houses and discarded tires that are perfect breeding grounds for the insects. Some homes and schools lack window screens and air-conditioning, exposing residents to almost constant bites. (McNeil, Jr., 3/20)
If brokered conventions and third-party insurgencies aren’t enough, consider the chaos that Zika could bring to the United States this summer. If the mosquito-borne virus linked to birth defects hits big — and that’s a big if — it could stir a panic like Ebola, set off an epidemic of finger-pointing and create new fear and acrimony over reproductive rights, global warming and immigration, all at the height of a presidential campaign. (Allen, 3/19)
The United States is warning of the risk of Zika virus in Cuba just as President Barack Obama heads to the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it's adding Cuba to its travel notice for Zika. The notice warns travelers they are at risk of contracting the virus. Zika is spread though bites from a specific mosquito and is believed to carry particular risk for birth defects. The CDC advises pregnant women not to travel to places with Zika. (Lederman, 3/19)
The state’s first case of Zika virus was confirmed in a person who traveled to a Zika-affected area and returned earlier this month, according to the state Department of Public Health. The patient, aged 60 to 69, had a skin rash, conjunctivitis, headache, fatigue, chills and muscle aches, and is now recovering, according to the health department. (Levin Becker, 3/18)
Fund the fight against Zika. Now. That was the unified message coming Friday from Hillary Clinton, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and other top Democrats, who pressed for a swift vote in Congress to approve emergency funds to fight the Zika virus. (Nather, 3/18)
