Texas Governor Invites CDC To Review Zika Response Plan, Asks For Money To Fund It

AUSTIN, TX -- With summer upon us, the threat of mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus is heightened in light of cases being reported across the globe -- including 40 in Texas so far. Given that worry, Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday invited Centers for Disease Control officials to come to Texas to the state prepare for the potential threat. 

The governor is asking the CDC to review the state's Zika Virus Preparedness and Response Plan. Last week, the governor participated in a conference call by the White House to talk about strategies to address the threat and explore the best ways to combat the virus. 

"Like the CDC, the State of Texas, along with our local partners, is taking steps to prevent and prepare for local transmission of the Zika virus," Abbott wrote in his letter to the CDC. "With the benefit of the CDC assets on the ground in Texas working with DSHS and our Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response, we can ensure that we are developing and implementing the strongest possible Zika virus response."

Abbott also urged the CDC to act swiftly in approving his funding requests for a trio of state-led initiatives as part of the Texas Zika response plan:

• $1.5 million to support Zika preparedness and response efforts
• $360,000 to support Zika-related birth outcomes surveillance
• $9.2 million to strengthen epidemiology and laboratory capacity and improve health information systems

To read Abbott's full letter to the CDC, click here.