Murphy Calls On CDC To Rush Funds To Connecticut To Combat H1N1 Flu

Press Release

With the news of a second tragic death in Connecticut from H1N1 flu, Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) called on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to prioritize Connecticut's unique need to combat H1N1 flu and rush $10 million in funding to the state to deal with the pandemic. Nationwide, at least 28 people have died from this flu; with only about 1% of the nation's population, Connecticut has now experienced a disproportionate number of the deaths associated with H1N1.

"The news of the death of a six year old Waterbury boy from the H1N1 flu is simply heartbreaking. This pandemic is having a disproportionate affect on Connecticut, and the CDC has a responsibility to build on the work it has already done to support Connecticut in its efforts to protect people. Now is the time to act to get all the resources we can on the ground in Waterbury and across Connecticut," said Murphy.

Next week, Congress is expected to vote on the Supplemental Appropriations bill, which includes approximately $350 million for the states and $200 million for the CDC to continue their efforts to address this pandemic. Murphy asked that CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH to provide no less than $10 million of those state-directed funds to Connecticut, to ensure that we have the resources we need to address this issue.

Murphy requested that the CDC take quick action to ensure that Connecticut's public health sector is provided with appropriate, additional assistance to assist in the dissemination of important information regarding what the public and public health officials should look for and do in the event that they contract H1N1 or are potentially exposed to the virus.

"In Connecticut, we don't have the luxury of time in this fight. We need the CDC to act quickly to help us protect our residents," said Murphy.

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