Title
Zika Emergency Response Funding - Florida Department of Health (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to hear a presentation and to approve the submission and acceptance of a grant, if awarded, from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH).
Explanation
On February 4, Governor Rick Scott declared a public health emergency in four counties for Zika virus; the declaration was later extended to 19 counties, including Alachua County. The Governor designated Florida Department of Health (FDOH) as lead state agency to coordinate emergency response activities among various state agencies and local governments. DOH announced that Zika emergency response funding is available through grant applications.
Alachua County has had four confirmed travel-related cases of Zika infection and more than 31 suspected cases to date. With more than 50% of the county population living within the city of Gainesville, Gainesville Mosquito Control (GMC) plays a key role in terms of fighting Zika infections. So far GMC has, at the request of and in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH)-Alachua, investigated and responded to a number of suspected and confirmed cases of Zika infection with limited resources. Furthermore, as mosquito season is underway, mosquito control staff will be more focused on routine mosquito control operations such as responding to citizen’s service requests and conducting larvicide and adulticide missions. Grant funding will allow the City to hire two temporary personnel to ensure adequate response and public outreach and education during the upcoming mosquito season.
City and Department of Health staff will provide a presentation on Zika and the City’s mosquito control program and address questions.
Fiscal Note
The amount of the grant is $120,762.00 with no local match required.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear an informational presentation from City staff and County Department of Health staff on Zika and mosquito...
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