CDC activates to highest level in response to Zika virus
President Obama has proposed $1.8 billion to combat the Zika virus, asking for the money immediately as emergency spending on top of the $1.1 trillion catchall spending bill that passed in December. The virus is spreading rapidly through Latin America.
While most people experience either mild or no symptoms, Zika is suspected of causing a devastating birth defect -- babies born with abnormally small heads -- and the funding is aimed at fighting its spread both abroad and in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has activated to a level 1 activation to accelerate preparedness in anticipation of local Zika virus transmission by mosquitoes in the United States.
Five Florida counties have reported Zika cases. All of them are travel related.
MORE INFORMATION: