Hillary Clinton Calls on Congress to Fight ‘Serious and Urgent’ Threat of Zika Virus

Hillary Clinton called the Zika virus a “serious and urgent threat” to the U.S. on Friday. In a post on the question-and-answer website Quora, she wrote: “To put it simply, there’s a lot we need to do—and fast. We don’t yet know everything about this disease, but what we’re learning is alarming.”

There have been more than 900 confirmed cases of the virus in the U.S. and its territories, Clinton wrote. On Friday, officials reported the first death in Puerto Rico linked to the virus, which has also been connected to birth defects.

Read more: How the United States Is Bracing for Zika

Clinton called for more public education about the virus’ dangers, the development of a rapid diagnostic test, investment in treatment and a vaccine, better mosquito control and abatement, and improved access to health and family planning services.

“We need to do everything we can to fight Zika—but we can’t do that without adequate resources,” she wrote. “Congress should immediately provide emergency funding for Zika testing and treatment, mosquito control, family planning, and to support maternal and infant health.”

Read more: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee: Congress Must Act Immediately to Combat Zika Virus

The White House requested $1.9 billion in Zika emergency funding from Congress in February. The Senate adjourned for a week-long recess Friday without making a decision on funding.