AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas has won a $5 million Centers for Disease Control grant to combat the Zika virus.
In a statement Monday, Abbott said the money was awarded as part of supplemental Zika funding approved by Congress to increase preparedness and response efforts.
Word of the grant comes three days after state health officials confirmed four more cases of Zika in Texas that were likely transmitted by mosquito bites.
Florida is the only other state with locally spread Zika.
Abbott said, “This money will be crucial in our efforts to contain and combat further transmission.”
He said the Texas Health Department has dedicated $18 million to combatting Zika and implementing a state preparedness plan — though counties are being required to cover many Zika-related costs themselves.