Nearly 200 cases of Zika in US; officials press for funds

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly 200 cases of Zika infection have been reported in the US – all traced to travel abroad.

Health officials released the numbers Thursday, and pleaded for Congress to provide $1.9 billion to fight the virus in Latin America and help prevent it from spreading to the continental US.

Some of the money would go to Puerto Rico, where Zika is spreading locally and 159 cases have been reported.

Capitol Hill Republicans have deferred the request, insisting leftover Ebola funds can be used. Health officials say new funding is needed.

Zika virus is mainly spread through mosquito bites. At worst, it causes only mild symptoms. But there’s growing evidence linking it to a rare birth defect and to a nerve condition that causes temporary paralysis.

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