Schumer Says Congress Needs To Act On Emergency Zika Funding
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Saying the Zika virus has a bull's-eye on New York, Sen. Charles Schumer and health experts are urging the passage of needed emergency funding.
With hundreds of confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne virus in New York City and dozens on Long Island, Schumer is urging Congress to pass the proposed $1.9 billion emergency funding plan needed to fight the virus.
All of the infections were contracted overseas.
"We don't have an emergency yet, we want to prevent one," Schumer said. "It could happen if we don't do enough."
In June, there were 16 confirmed cases in Nassau County, and 20 cases in Suffolk County, Schumer said.
"The number will only go up in July and August," the senator warned.
Nassau Health Commissioner Dr. Larry Eisenstein emphasizes that at issue isn't only what we know.
"With Zika, there's so many questions that we don't yet know the answer to," Eisenstein said.
Congress needs to act now before the summer recess, Schumer said.
"We can beat Zika, but we have to do it now," the senator said.
As CBS2's Tony Aiello reported, with the number of cases expected to rise, there's concern about not having enough money to fight it.
"Unfortunately, Zika has a bull's eye here in the New York City metro area and Long Island," Schumer said.
Nassau and Suffolk counties are doing something -spraying pesticides in mosquito infested areas. Public works crews have been setting up mosquito traps.
"Public works has treated thousands of street basins, sumps, pods, and hundreds of miles of streams for mosquitoes," Nassau County Executive, Ed Mangano (D), said.
Like other major hospitals, Nassau University Medical Center has been preparing its staff in case of an influx of Zika cases, even as it expands testing to detect any possible symptoms.
Homeowners have been asked to make sure there isn't any standing water in pots, buckets, or tarps that could turn into a breeding ground.
"I started checking around the house to make sure if there is any water. I can take care of it anytime I see it," Mike Caparella said.
The fear of Zika has prompted Katie Miller's family to cancel a trip to the Caribbean where Zika has spiked.
"I'd rather be safe than sorry, just for my family. I have a young child and we may have more," she said.
Uniondale mother Jo Valveri said Congress needs to act.
"Doesn't matter if you're Democrat or Republican. It's really important. It saves lives," she said.
Health officials said the federal funds are critically needed for clinical trials to find a Zika vaccine. Pregnant women are being advised not to travel to Zika prone regions.