Marco Rubio Holds Talks On Zika Virus, Puerto Rico
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBSMiami) -- Florida Senator Marco Rubio is holding a press conference Friday on the Zika virus and its connection to Puerto Rico and South America.
Earlier, Rubio spoke with state, local and Puerto Rican officials about current cases, prevention efforts and measures being taken to address public health concerns.
"Zika virus is impacting Florida, Puerto Rico and South America, and we must be prepared for what is predicted to be an even more explosive outbreak," Rubio said.
The briefing helped offer suggestions on mosquito control and in "determining what actions Congress should take to fight the virus and its outbreak."
"While I am reviewing the President's emergency funding request and encouraged by the immediate actions the White House is beginning to take to spend unused Ebola funding, it is my hope that Congressional Republicans and the administration can come to an agreement on critical funding items before the weather gets even warmer, mosquitoes become even more prevalent and the risk of transmission becomes even greater," Rubio added.
In response to the outbreak, in January, Rubio expressed his concerns with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection about the state's preparations, including making sure airports and seaports were properly staffed.
"No other U.S. airport operates as many flights to and from Brazil, where the Zika virus is currently most prevalent, than Miami International Airport," said Rubio in a press release to the Obama administration.
"For years Miami International Airport has struggled with a severe shortage of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) personnel to effectively process all the passengers and cargo coming through the airport in an efficient manner," he noted. "Based on early reports about the Zika virus, along with the sheer volume of passenger travel and commerce that occurs between Florida and Latin America, the virus' 'explosive spread' could further strain an already overburdened workforce at Florida's airports, especially Miami International Airport."
There have been 82 cases of the Zika virus in Florida, including 33 in Miami-Dade and 12 in Broward, according to the Center for Disease Control's daily Zika update. All cases have been travel-related.
