Connecticut to receive $580k to protect against Zika

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Connecticut Department of Public Health is receiving nearly $580,000 to support the state's efforts to protect residents from the Zika virus and to monitor Zika-related birth defects.

Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and members of Connecticut's congressional delegation announced the grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday.

DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino says the funding will enhance the Zika testing program at the State Laboratory and the mosquito surveillance being conducted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Pino says the funds will also help to establish a monitoring program through DPH's Birth Registry that will track infants born with Zika-related birth defects.

To date, 45 patients in Connecticut have tested positive for Zika. Connecticut has not seen any local transmission of the disease.

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