The Defense Department will collaborate with researchers from the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct studies on the Zika virus, DoD News reported Wednesday.
Cheryl Pellerin writes DoD personnel with previous experience working with the mosquito-borne disease will help HHS professionals convene experts and stakeholders for the research effort.
“This is an area where the DoD has done some research in the past,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a travel advisory for Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico, where Zika transmission currently occurs, according to the report.
Cook also told reporters President Barack Obama met with Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work and health and national security experts to discuss steps intended to address the spread of the virus, Pellerin reports.
The virus spreads through mosquito bites and symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, according to CDC.