DPH: Vaccine for zika would be a ‘game changer’ in fight against virus

813 thousand dollars have been granted to the first state to help with efforts in preventing and responding to the Zika virus, should an outbreak occur.

Officials say while this initial funding is much needed, there’s still a long road ahead.

In Smyrna Thursday afternoon, Senator Tom Carper called on congress to pass emergency funding. Efforts stalled since lawmakers left Washington for a seven-week recess in July.

Funds, according to Delaware health officials, could assist in finding a vaccine for zika. Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health, says a vaccine would a ‘game-changer’ for the virus.

We’re told a vaccine has been tested on non-human primates and has shown promising results; however, performing tests on humans would require more funding.

“Ultimately we hope to have a vaccine, we have a lot of other vaccines to stop other threats,” says Senator Carper. “We need a vaccine for this and we need the money for that vaccine.”

Lawmakers are expected to be back in session on September 6 and 7.