“While the illness is generally mild, the recent Zika virus outbreak in Central and South America and in the Caribbean has had devastating effects on pregnant women and their babies in those areas. Moreover, the virus’ transmission to people through mosquito bites is cause for alarm. Because of those and other concerns, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists urges Congress to authorize the President’s request for emergency funding to combat this virus domestically and overseas.
“As the Administration has noted, there is much that is unknown about the Zika virus and the links between it and the poor health reported in areas it has affected. It’s important that we not only work to help prevent further spread of the virus in other countries and to mitigate its impact on women and their babies, but also that we ensure our own readiness and response should there be an outbreak of Zika virus in the United States or its territories.”
Peggy Barksdale, MSN, RN, OCNS-C, CNS-BC is the President of the 2015-2016 NACNS Board of Directors.