U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement today following the news that the first non-travel related case of Zika has been reported in Pinellas County:

“The time for warnings and discussions about a potential public health crisis due to Zika is long past – the Congress must act.  President Obama called on Congress six months ago to pass an emergency response package.  Instead, House Republicans blocked meaningful action and then adjourned for the summer.  My neighbors in Pinellas County and all Floridians need every tool to keep them safe as the Zika virus spreads. I urge House Republicans and Speaker Paul Ryan to reconvene the Congress immediately to pass an emergency Zika response package that can expedite necessary vaccines, diagnostic tests and development of the registry to track pregnant women who contract the Zika virus.”