ATLANTA, GA – CDC has announced that the Emergency Operation Center is moving to a Level 1 activation to enhance it’s response to the Zika outbreak.
They say the activation is to accelerated preparedness in anticipation of local Zika virus transmission by mosquito in the Continental US.
EOC is the command center for monitoring and coordinating the emergency response to Zika, bringing together CDC scientists with expertise in arboviruses, reproductive health, and birth and developmental defects. Their work includes:
• Developing laboratory tests to diagnose Zika
• Conducting studies to learn more about the possible linkages with microcephaly and Guillain Barré syndrome
• Surveillance for the virus in the United States, including US territories
• On-the-ground support in Puerto Rico, Brazil and Colombia
The CDC says the EOC currently employees more than 300 CDC staff working in collaboration with local, national, and international response partners to analyze, validate, and efficiently exchange information about the outbreak.
They say the EOC has resources to rapidly transport diagnostic kits, samples and specimens, and personnel.
The EOC is serving as CDC’s command center for monitoring and coordinating the emergency response to Zika, including the deployment of CDC staff and the procurement and management of all equipment and supplies that CDC responders may need during deployment says the CDC.
