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House committee approves money in budget to fight Zika virus

bbc.com

Some Michigan lawmakers are concerned that mosquitoes could spread the Zika virus in the state and voted to fund a mosquito abatement program.

A House committee on Wednesday approved an amendment to the state budget to inject $250,000 to set mosquito traps in certain areas of the state and to educate the public about the virus.

The committee unanimously voted to shift money from a Great Lakes restoration fund into the abatement program.

Officials have confirmed two Zika cases in Michigan.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the virus is mainly in Mexico and South America.

It has caused serious birth defects of the brain in babies of mothers who had the virus while pregnant. Health officials say women who are pregnant should avoid Zika-affected areas.