Nearly 60 medical associations, public health organizations and other civic interest groups are asking Congress to put aside politics and approve funding for fighting the spread of Zika virus in the U.S.

In a letter to House and Senate leaders, the groups note there have been more than 16,000 reported cases of Zika infections in the U.S. and its territories, with more than 1,500 cases reported in pregnant women. The virus is believed to be responsible for microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with underdeveloped brains.

"While the link between Zika and microcephaly is well documented, the virus may cause less visible, yet still serious problems for infants, some of which may not become apparent for years after birth," the groups said. "While pregnant women and infants are particularly vulnerable to Zika, research is now linking Zika to health consequences in adults, such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (in which the immune system attacks the nerves, causing paralysis)."

Zika is transmitted primarily through mosquitos. President Barack Obama has asked Congress for $1.9 billion in emergency funding to fight the spread of the virus, but so far lawmakers have been unable to pass the measure. Republicans have attached several riders to the legislation—such as a provision defunding Planned Parenthood—that Democrats say they can't accept.

The groups were harsh in their criticism of Congress's failure to act.

"The opportunity for total prevention has been squandered; Congress must act now to contain Zika and prevent it from spreading to other communities," they said. "Immediate funding is essential to help communities protect their residents from Zika, enable them to prepare for the future, and ensure that development of vaccines, diagnostics and treatments proceeds as rapidly as possible."

The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American College of Physicians and American Public Health Association were among the groups that signed the letter. http://bit.ly/2coEgKO

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