Texas Governor Attends Strategy Session On Fighting Zika Virus Hosted By The White House

AUSTIN, TX -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott participated in a Thursday conference call for governors at the White House centered on strategies to combat the Zika virus threat. 

The conference was led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell and Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Tom Frieden, officials said.

“Texas is working with our local and federal partners to ensure Texans are protected from the Zika virus,” Abbott said in a prepared statement “With the recent floods, and as we enter the height of mosquito season, I encourage Texans to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito exposure and heed all warnings and recommendations from health officials.”

The governor's office recently activated the Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response in as one of its preparedness steps in dealing with the threat. The Task Force and the Department of State Health Services are currently finalizing the Zika Virus Preparedness and Response Plan, the governor noted.

Texas also is working with federal and state agencies to determine potential funding available to assist local communities in addressing the Zika threat. State officials urge high vigilance among residents, particularly when traveling abroad to countries experiencing Zika outbreaks and eliminating standing water on their properties that spawn breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

For additional precautions and to find information on Zika in Texas, visit http://www.texaszika.org/.