Believe it or not, Zika is here. The virus has spread across the United States infecting over 3,000 people in the states and a staggering 17,000 more in U.S. territories, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In Alabama, there have been at least 30 reported cases of Zika. The mosquito that has been linked to most infections, Aedes aegypti, is also found in all of the Gulf Coast states.

The virus can cause adults to temporarily suffer from fevers and hives, but to unborn children, the disease is much more dangerous, causing a severe birth defect called microcephaly.

You’ve probably heard these concerning facts a hundred times, but the more worrisome side of the story is the government’s inability to pass any legislation aimed to fight the Zika virus.

Back in June, Republicans in the House of Representatives introduced a bill that would mandate $1.1 billion in federal spending to fight the virus. House Democrats ultimately blocked the bill, claiming Republicans tried to jam in partisan provisions like defunding abortion clinics. The disagreement ultimately resulted in a stalemate that left the nation with virtually no aid in combatting the Zika virus.

Experts are in agreement that in order to effectively fight a public health issue like Zika, resources need to be spent on research and public education. Currently, not a single cent of federal funding is being spent on either.

Research is the force that drives the pursuit of a solution, which in this case would most likely be a vaccine. There are plenty of institutions, public and private, that are able to conduct research. Also, there are an abundance of brilliant scientific minds eager to be at the forefront of discovery.

Public education is equally important as research. Informing the public on simple, easy ways to keep themselves safe from the virus can help to reduce its spread and eradicate the threat in certain areas. Among these are: use bug spray, wear long-sleeved clothing, practice safe sex (yes, Zika is an STD), and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds such as standing water.  

Perhaps the most crucial reason why nothing is being done about Zika is the public’s indifference to the situation. In a Washington Post- ABC News Poll a few months back, 67 percent of Americans surveyed reported they were “not too worried” or “not worried at all” about the threat of the Zika virus. It seems like despite the eminent danger, citizens are just not buying the hype.

English author Terry Pratchett, speaking about Alzheimer’s, famously said, “The sword that will defeat this disease is probably made of gold.”

The same concept can be applied to our war on Zika. Without federal funding, we are weaponless. We as a nation need to urge our congressmen and congresswomen to put aside their differences and work towards the greater good for all, including those suffering now and those in future generations, because without a combined effort, our worst fears may become reality.