Menendez Calls For Emergency Session Of Congress For Zika Funding

EDISON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) was calling Wednesday for an immediate federal response to the growing Zika virus crisis.

As WCBS 880's Kelly Waldron reported, more than 7,300 Americans have been infected with the mosquito-borne virus, and nearly 1,000 pregnant women show signs of infection.

Fifteen children have been born with birth defects as a result.

Menendez on Wednesday was calling for an emergency session of Congress to approve federal funding to respond to the crisis. For him, it is personal.

MORE ON ZIKA FROM THE CDC: Basics | FAQ | Info For Pregnant Women | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | 10 Facts About Zika

"My daughter is five months pregnant with her first child and what would be my first grandchild," Menendez said. "She lives in Miami in the eye of the storm."

Menendez said federal funding would advance development of the Zika vaccine and provide state and local governments with the resources to continue preventative mosquito control efforts and respond to health emergencies.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.