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OUR VIEW Our View: Playing politics with Zika funding Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Aug. 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News The Zika virus is here — although it was not contracted here, and there is no evidence yet that local mosquitoes carry it — but the time to address the threat, here and across the United States, is now, not next month or next year. That's why Democrats and Republicans in Congress must agree on necessary funding to research the virus, develop a vaccine and help health care providers cope with an expected influx of patients. The virus, transmitted by blood through the bite of specific mosquito species and through sexual intercourse, causes mild flu-like symptoms in most adults who contract it, and many may not even know they have it. But if contracted by pregnant women, it can cause a severe birth defect called microcephaly, leaving babies with abnormally small heads. Two local cases have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control, both involving patients who traveled outside the United States. Local vector control officials say neither of the two mosquito species known to carry the virus are present here, but it's likely infected mosquitoes will be here eventually. Meanwhile, the first cases of people contracting Zika in the U.S. have been confirmed in Florida. As of mid June, Zika had been detected in 265 pregnant women in the United States. Nevertheless, Congress left Washington for an extended recess without passing a $1.1 billion Zika funding bill, which fell victim to a partisan squabble over whether Planned Parenthood and other women's health clinics would get any of the money from the bill. This has nothing to do with abortion. In fact, because the Zika virus can be transmitted sexually and poses an extreme risk to pregnant women, preventing pregnancy in Zika-prone areas is important, and clinics such as Planned Parenthood provide contraceptive services. Senate Republicans knew Democrats would never support a bill that banned funding for Planned Parenthood. When Democrats blocked the bill for that reason, the Republicans could say, in an election year, that Democrats are more interested in supporting Planned Parenthood than "saving babies" from Zika-caused birth defects. Regardless of who has the moral high ground here — if that even exists in Congress anymore — the result of this political gridlock is more delay in addressing a real public health threat. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, who met with local public health officials on Monday, says he wants to take the information he has gathered back to Washington and come up with a bill both parties can support. It's time to put the partisan antics aside and do what's right, for a change. Congress must approve Zika funding sooner rather than later. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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