1. Zika Virus: Control, Monitoring, and Prevention
The National Press Club
Thursday, August 11, 2016

2. States’ Roles and Efforts to Control Zika Virus
Kelly Murphy
Program Director, Health Division
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices
August 11, 2016

3. Road Map of Presentation
Brief overview of the National Governors Association
States’ Role in Public Health Preparedness
Public Health Implications of Zika Virus
NGA Response to Zika Virus and Summary of State Actions

4. About the National Governors Association
Nation’s oldest organization serving the needs of governors and their staff (founded in 1908)
A consensus organization with bipartisan leadership: Chair Gov. McAuliffe (D-VA) and Vice Chair Gov. Sandoval (R-NV)
Through NGA, governors share best practices, speak with a collective voice on national policy and develop innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.
NGA Center for Best Practices: a hybrid think thank/consultancy that works to surface evidence-based practices and works directly with governors on specific policy projects. The NGA Center divisions are:
Health
Education
Energy, Environment, and Transportation
Economic, Human Services and Workforce
Homeland Security and Public Safety

5. Governors’ Role in Public Health Preparedness
Federal, state and local governments all play important roles in public health preparedness
Governors’ Roles:
Coordinate among key partners
Federal government
Within state government
Local government
Private sector
Communicate accurate, timely and targeted information
Both internally and externally
Use executive authorities
Governors’ executive authorities include issuing executive orders and emergency declarations, and leveraging budgetary authority

6. Public Health Implications of Zika Virus
Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily via bite of infected Aedes species mosquito
Zika virus can cause microcephaly, a severe birth defect in infants, when pregnant women are exposed to Zika
Zika also is associated with neurological problems and other adverse pregnancy outcomes
7,373 Zika cases have been confirmed across 46 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia* (as of August 3)
1,825 Zika cases reported in continental United States: 1,818 travel-associated; 1 laboratory acquired; 6 locally acquired (FL)
5,548 in U.S. Territories, 5,525 of which were locally acquired
972 pregnant women with laboratory evidence of possible Zika infection and 23 confirmed cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
There have been several Zika-associated deaths reported including in Puerto Rico, Texas, and Utah
*Source: Based on CDC data and discussions with CDC experts, please reference for additional information

7. Public Health Implications of Zika Virus
According to CDC, widespread transmission of Zika virus appears to be unlikely in continental United States, particularly with adequate prevention efforts in place
However, CDC predicts the number of Zika cases will continue to increase, and that local transmission remains a risk in some southern states, especially those with past outbreaks of chikungunya and dengue

8. Public Health Implications of Zika Virus
Most Zika infections in the continental U.S. are travel-related and currently affect 46 states, 3 territories and the District of Columbia
There is active local transmission in Florida and CDC considers southern states – especially those with a history of chikungunya and dengue outbreaks -- at risk for local transmission

9. Public Health Implications of Zika Virus
Zika Virus Infection Curve, Salvador, Colombia, June 2015-March 2016, showing “tipping point” at Week 51-52
Increased infection rates can reach a “tipping point” that quickly accelerates viral transmission
Prevention and control efforts to avoid local transmission and escalation to “tipping point” is critical to prevent outbreaks

10. Key NGA Responses to Zika Virus
Date
Action
February 2016
NGA develops bulletin for governors on the emerging issue of Zika
April 1, 2016
NGA co-hosts Zika Action Plan Summit1 with CDC and the White House with 39 states and jurisdictions participating
April 22, 2016
NGA launches Zika webpage2 for states with a custom map made for states to track Zika cases
May 9, 2016
NGA works with governors to issue a statement3 asking for swift and adequate funding for states
May 10, 2016
NGA and CDC host Zika Emergency Risk Communications Webinar for governors’ communications directors
Anticipated: Summer 2016
NGA Public Safety Division Issue Brief: Improving State Efforts to Prepare and Respond to Public Health Emergencies
Ongoing
NGA actively involved in CDC’s Zika Action Partnership Network with other organizations to increase coordination and collaboration
Governors’ office briefings as requested 1 2 3

11. Summary of State Actions on Zika Virus
Governors have been at the forefront of Zika response and preparedness. Broadly, they have focused on implementing phased, jurisdictional, risk-based Zika plans that include strategies around communication, surveillance, laboratory testing, mosquito control, outreach to pregnant women, and blood safety. These efforts have included:
Creating and implementing state action and response plans
Coordinating state agencies and departments
Targeting resources and deploying rapid response efforts
Increasing surveillance and vector control efforts
Increasing tracking and testing of affected pregnancies and births
Mapping and tracking mosquito populations
Implementing adult and larval mosquito control including ground applications and aerial spraying, and community interventions
Launching efforts for health care providers and at-risk individuals
Training local health departments and health care providers
Providing educational materials to pregnant women
Launching public awareness campaigns
Disseminating Zika prevention kits

12. Contact Information
NGA Center for Best Practices Kelly Murphy, Program Director Health Division NGA Office of Federal Relations Anna Holmquist Davis, Director