Think Zika just affects Brazil? It’s in Florida now

Published in The Guardian US on August 2, 2016

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/02/zika-brazil-us-congress-emergency-funding

As Zika threatened to spread during mosquito season, congressional delays in emergency funding exposed deep flaws in how the U.S. prepares for infectious disease threats. Political gridlock left public health efforts underresourced at a moment when swift action could limit transmission, especially in vulnerable communities. The situation underscored that reactive, short-term responses are far less effective than sustained investment in prevention and health infrastructure.