More than 300 local, state and federal government officials; health experts; and non-government partners gathered at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prepare for the likelihood of mosquito-borne transmission of the Zika virus in some parts of the continental United States. Several U.S. Territories already are experiencing active Zika transmission.

Hosted by CDC, the one-day Zika Action Plan Summit brought together officials as well as non-government organizations to help ensure a coordinated response to the mosquito-borne illness linked to the devastating birth defect microcephaly. The summit aims to identify gaps in readiness and provide technical support to states in the development of Zika action plans that will allow their jurisdictions to effectively prepare for and respond to the possibility of active Zika transmission.

“The mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are already active in U.S. territories, hundreds of travelers with Zika have already returned to the continental U.S. and we could well see clusters of Zika virus in the continental U.S. in the coming months. Urgent action is needed, especially to minimize the risk of exposure during pregnancy,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.

Summit attendees heard the latest scientific knowledge about Zika, including implications for pregnant women and strategies for mosquito control. The meeting also included opportunities to learn about best communications practices; identify possible gaps in preparedness and response at the federal, state and local levels; and help begin to address those gaps, including through the refinement of draft Zika action plans. Representatives from state and local jurisdictions met with experts to get technical assistance and guidance on their Zika action plans.

In conjunction with the Summit, the CDC also released a new Vital Signs report with information reinforcing previous CDC guidance and suggested actions that pregnant women and their partners can take to prevent Zika virus infection during pregnancy. The report also includes an updated map of the U.S. with the latest available information on where the mosquitoes that can transmit the virus have been found.

The Health Research and Education Trust of New Jersey is holding an all-day conference May 23 on emerging viral threats like Zika. National and international experts on Ebola, Zika and emergency response will speak at “Perspectives on Emerging Viral Threats: Moving Forward from Ebola,” held at the Hyatt Regency Princeton. Registration for the event will open soon.