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Scott Pushes Feds For More Zika Action

Governor Rick Scott in his office in front of a Florida flag
Office of Gov. Rick Scott

Governor Rick Scott says Florida is doing its part to fight the spread of the Zika virus in the state. But he’s continuing the complaint that he’d like to see the Federal government do more. Scott spoke with a group of reporters Friday.

"I had very specific asks for the White House and they have not met those. We have gotten some testing kits from the CDC. I asked for more yesterday. We’ve already tested about 1300 people around the state,” Scott says.

Scott says with more standing water following tropical storm Colin and Olympics travelers moving through Florida, he’s concerned Zika numbers will continue to rise. The Florida Department of Health has confirmed 175 Zika cases in Florida—38 involve pregnant women. The virus, which can be spread sexually or through mosquitos, is linked to a severe birth defect.

Follow @Regan_McCarthy

Regan McCarthy is the Assistant News Director for WFSU Public Media. Before coming to Tallahassee, Regan graduated with honors from Indiana University’s Ernie Pyle School of Journalism. She worked for several years for NPR member station WFIU in Bloomington, Ind., where she covered local and state government and produced feature and community stories.

Phone: (850) 645-6090 | rmccarthy@fsu.edu

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