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Nelson On First US Zika-Related Death: It Won't Be The Last If Congress Doesn't Act

MGN Online

Puerto Rico—a U-S territory—has reported its first Zika-related death, and a Florida Senator says it won’t be the last if Congress does not start taking the mosquito-borne disease seriously. Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson made similar remarks Thursday on the floor when he tried to call his bill up for a vote. It would have provided $1.9 billion in funding to help combat the disease—championed by President Obama. But, Congress hasn’t taken it up.

“Puerto Ricans…it is estimated that 20 percent of the population is infected…And, so, is it any wonder that I join with the Minority Leader in begging for this emergency appropriation of 1.9 billion,” Nelson said, at the time.

More than 600 Puerto Ricans have the virus. With two new cases reported Friday, Florida now has 96 Zika cases.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.