"Rep. Brooks: House Republicans have acted on Zika virus"

     On June 6, 2016, in her piece in The Washington Post, representative Susan W. Brooks recognized the threat of the Zika virus on national health, necessitating immediate action. She relates the Zika virus outbreak to the Ebola crisis two years ago. Biological threats such as these will continue to cause a national health crisis until the U.S. adopts more effective means of protection and preparation.
     As claimed by Brooks, our nation remains largely reactionary to these threats. We fail to be proactive when it comes to health emergencies. We are at a severe liability due to a lack of effective identification, treatment, and elimination of biological threats. This is a dire liability, with reports of the Islamic State exploring chemical weaponry.
     For these reasons, she identifies biodefense as a top priority, which entails the development of vaccines and therapies known as medical counter-measures. These would serve to combat deadly pathogens and protect national security.
     The long term methods of prevention will be a step in the right direction, yet immediate action is needed to protect Americans from the Zika virus and its effects. Although the virus causes mild symptoms, severe risks come to those starting families. A case of this was seen in a New Jersey birth, in which the Zika virus caused a severe birth defect known as microephaly.
     The solution now, according to Brooks, is to spread awareness and encourage the implementation of widely available diagnostic tests and treatments. The Obama administration has been instrumental in House Republicans' response to the crisis, and nearly $600 million has been deployed to enhance mosquito control efforts and other preventative steps.
    Brooks joined Rep. G.K. Butterfield to introduce legislation giving incentive to the development of a vaccine. It uses the Food and Drug Administration's Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher program to promote innovators to work on emerging threats such as the Zika virus. Brooks' work helps equip our country to meet the threats the virus imposes, along with cooperation of the House and Senate.
    This article clearly outlines the biological threats we face in America, and proves that extended measures need to be taken. It is noteworthy because of Brooks' apparent concern for national health and security and the steps that can ensure public health in the future. In relation to America's current situation, the article display solutions to the matter at hand, the Zika Virus. By implementing these solutions, Brook demonstrates how we can ensure public safety and prevent crisis.