WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The response level to the Zika virus outbreak has been raised amid the its rapid spread throughout the Americas, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced in a statement.
"To further enhance its response to the Zika virus outbreak, CDC’s Emergency Operations Center is moving to Level 1 activation," the statement said on Monday.
The CDC explained the decision reflects its assessment of the need for an accelerated preparedness "to bring together experts to focus intently and work efficiently in anticipation of local Zika virus transmission by mosquitoes in the continental United States."
Earlier on Monday, President Barack Obama requested that Congress approve nearly $2 billion in assistance to fight the Zika virus from spreading in the United States and abroad.
At least 26 countries in the Americas have reported cases of Zika virus infections, according to the Pan American Health Organization.
The Zika virus is known to cause microcephaly, a major birth defect that affects fetuses characterized by small heads and poor brain development.
