Gov. Malloy applauds 400,000 federal grant to fight Zika

 

Governor Dannel P. Malloy is applauding an announcement made today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Birth Defects Registry is being awarded a $400,000 grant to fight the Zika virus.  This new grant will closely collaborate with the $580,000 ELC grantannounced yesterday.

This new funding will be used to establish, enhance, and maintain information-gathering systems to rapidly detect microcephaly – a serious birth defect of the brain – and other central nervous system and adverse outcomes caused by Zika virus infection.  It will also help Connecticut ensure that affected infants and their families are referred to appropriate health and social services, in addition to enabling Connecticut to monitor over time the heath and developmental outcomes of children affected by Zika.

“This grant will continue to help Connecticut in our preparation efforts and ensure that our state’s residents are protected to the fullest extent possible.  We are doing everything we can at the state level to prepare,” Governor Malloy said.  “I thank the CDC for awarding this grant to our state, and again stress the need for Congress to approve much needed emergency funding to enhance these efforts nationally.”

The Governor noted that the grant received today was reallocated by the CDC from other, previously existing health accounts.

“As the Zika outbreak expands, it’s imperative that residents understand how to reduce their risk of contracting and passing along the virus,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said.  “Connecticut has ramped up outreach and education efforts, so this additional funding from the CDC is greatly appreciated and will help us protect the public health.”

DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino said, “There is so much we have yet to learn about Zika virus, but we do know that it can cause lifelong, devastating birth defects in some children born to mothers infected with Zika.  This funding will allow us to track any cases of microcephaly, other birth defects, or other adverse consequences connected to Zika virus that may not present right at or shortly after birth and ensure that those children receive the services they will need throughout their lives.”