AMA Disappointed by Congress' Failure to Support Nation's Public Health Response to Zika Virus

Statement attributable to:

Andrew W. Gurman,

M.D.

President, American Medical Association

"At a time when concerns continue to mount about the nation's readiness to protect the public from the Zika virus, the AMA is disappointed by Congress' failure to pass legislation before adjourning for summer recess that would provide the resources necessary for our country to respond to this looming public health crisis.

"Without ensuring there are sufficient resources available for research, prevention, control and treatment of illnesses associated with the Zika virus, the United States will be ill-equipped to deploy the kind of public health response needed to keep our citizens safe and healthy—especially since the spread of mosquito-borne illness is accelerated during the summer months.

"The AMA will continue to update its online

Zika Virus Resou

rce Center

with the most up-to-date information from the CDC and other trusted health organizations to help physicians prepare to handle possible cases of the virus and answer patients' questions."