On Sunday, Senator Charles Schumer urged his three-point federal plan that will help contain the Zika Virus outbreak.
Schumer's three-point plan involves the U.S. Agency for International Development increasing its involvement in the infected countries to prevent, contain and treat the virus. Schumer's second point calls for the CDC and National Institute of Health to work alongside the private sector towards developing a vaccine . Lastly, Schumer is calling on the U.S. to push the World Health Organization to publicly declare a health emergency.
Although mosquitos usually aren't in New York State during the winter months, the mosquito- transmitted virus can potentially spread once the warm weather returns. Thirty Americans have been infected by the Zika virus, five are New Yorkers. Pregnant women are most at risk if infected as the virus can cause serious birth defects.
