HHS calls on center for innovation to accelerate Zika vaccine development Right now, there is no vaccine to protect people from Zika. HHS is working to change that. Today, HHS announced that it is working with one of its Centers for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing (CIADM) to quickly develop a Zika vaccine.   To help develop the vaccine more quickly, the CIADM will use vaccine technology similar to that used in vaccines for similar viruses, such as Dengue. Learn More >>

HHS moves to boost Zika vaccine capacity in Brazil To help Brazil develop a vaccine to protect people from Zika virus infection, HHS  will join the World Health Organization (WHO) and international public health groups in providing funding and technical assistance to Brazil’s Butantan Institute, a biomedical research center and Brazilian government partner. Learn More >>

After the Storm:  Cleaning up from flooding This week, historic floods have struck many parts of the country, from West Virginia to California.  Floods are the #1 distaster in the United States, according the FEMA.  Whether or not a flood has struck your home this week, it makes sense for everyone to learn the basics of how to recover from a flood and what to think about.  Take a few minutes to learn answers to questions like “how do I clean up?” and “can I eat that?”  Learn More >>

Parents and Partners are Helping Shape Brighter Futures for Flint’s Children Despite Exposure to Lead A healthy diet, early education, and assistance programs can help children in Flint ‪ thrive, but a recent report indicates that some children may need help reaching those goals.   If you think that your child may have been exposed to lead – in Flint or elsewhere – learn how parents and partners can work together to shape brighter futures. Learn More >>

Watch, Listen and Learn:  Moving Patients when Disaster Strikes When disaster strikes, patients may need to be moved out of state to get the care that they need. Making sure that all of the partners at the federal, state and local levels are ready to act at a moment’s notice to protect health and save lives takes coordination and training.  Get an insiders look at one of those training exercises and learn how these responders get ready to respond when seconds count.   Learn More >>

After the Flood: Mold-Specific Resources

Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters, according to NOAA.  Whether your community is cleaning up from the current flooding in Louisiana or you want to be ready in case a flood strikes your area, take a few minutes to learn about preventing, identifying, and getting rid of mold. Learn More >>

HHS funds development of Zika diagnostic test for use in doctors’ offices

 Today, ASPR announced that it would support the development of a rapid Zika diagnostic test. If approved, the test could be given right in your healthcare provider’s office and results could be available in 30 minutes. Many people who are infected with Zika never know that they have the disease. Better diagnostics would give doctors and other healthcare providers the information they need to guide clinical management. Learn More >>

News in Pictures:  Images of the Medical Response to the Flooding in Louisiana

In the wake of the historic floods that have spread throughout Louisiana, ASPR has responded by sending medical professionals from the National Disaster Medical System to provide medical support.  The Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response also traveled to Louisiana to meet with senior officials from the Louisiana Department of Health and talk to survivors in shelters. Check out their stories in pictures. View the Album >>

Investigation: Pre-October 2015 Flint Water, Sourced from Flint River, Might Have Caused Rashes, Other Irritant Conditions

People in Flint have been worried about rashes for a long time. On February 25, 2016, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services requested support from the CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registries for this investigation. The investigation found that there may be several causes of the rashes, and, at one time, the water may have caused rashes, but that the water does not currently contain substances that would cause a rash.  Learn More >>

HHS awards $7 million to OraSure to speed development of Zika diagnostic test

 ASPR supports the development of a new Zika diagnostic test. If approved, the test could be performed in your doctor’s office and would provide results in 30 minutes. ASPR is supporting the development of a number of diagnostic tests to help give doctors, patients and blood banks the information they need to make more informed choices during the Zika outbreak.  Learn More >>

SEATTLE — Bob Santos, a civil rights activist dubbed the unofficial mayor of the Chinatown-International District, has died. He was 82.

Santos died Saturday. He had been hospitalized in recent weeks, according to The Seattle Times.

He was credited with helping to preserve the International District and for working tirelessly for civil rights as part of the Gang of Four or the Four Amigos.

They were Santos, King County Councilman Larry Gossett, Latino activist Robert Maestas and Native-American activist Bernie Whitebear.

“Gossett, Santos, Whitebear, and Maestas formed Making Our Votes Count (MOVE), concluding that change would have to come through the ballot box. They became known as the Gang of Four, occasionally the Four Amigos, and if MOVE didn’t last long, they did,” HistoryLink.org says. “By the mid-1970s, the Gang of Four morphed into the Minority Executive Directors Coalition (MEDC) of King County, an umbrella group representing ethnic-minority communities. By the end of 2000, there were some 120 community-based organizations in MEDC.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine called Santos “a passionate believer in the power of bringing people together to fight for fairness and opportunity. He was a man defined by both his work and his friendships … . Seattle would look much different if not for Bob.

“Ever a serious force for social change, Bob was equally serious fun to be around. I regret that I will never be able to make good on my solemn promise to join Uncle Bob in a karaoke duet at the venerable Bush Garden on Maynard Avenue.”

Added Seattle Mayor Ed Murray:

“Michael and I were heartbroken to hear of today’s passing of “Uncle” Bob Santos, one of our city’s great community leaders. Bob Santos touched countless lives across every race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and age in Seattle. He was everyone’s “uncle” because of his universal and unwavering friendship, and he was a hero to many marginalized Seattlites who he tirelessly advocated for. I have been fortunate to have worked with him on many of these issues for over two decades.

“Seattle mourns the loss of one or greatest civic leaders tonight, and our city is much greater because of his life. Our thoughts are with his wife, Sharon Tomiko Santos, and his entire family.”

Sharon Tomiko Santos is a member of the state House of Representatives.

University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce issued this statement:

“I had the opportunity to first get to know Bob Santos – known as ‘Uncle Bob’ to so many he advocated for – when I chaired the UW’s Department of American Ethnic Studies. It was a tough time for the department, and our first meeting was marked by mutual skepticism. But it ended with mutual respect. Integrity and valor are the two words that first come to mind when I think of him. Through Bob’s leadership, advocacy and mentorship, the cause of civil rights and social justice has been advanced, and the lives of countless members of our community, especially Asian Pacific Islanders, have been improved.

“We’ve truly lost a giant.”

Gov. Jay Inslee issued this statement:

“Washington is a better state because of Bob Santos’ passion for justice.

“Bob was a forward thinker. His early days as an activist with the ‘Gang of Four’ helped bring communities of color together in one unified voice to fight for equal rights.

“He served as the unofficial mayor of the Chinatown International District in Seattle, advocating for social justice that helped pave the way for future generations of API leaders. Washington’s strong API community is a testament to his leadership and commitment to mentoring.

“Trudi and I send our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, his family, and his friends. His passing is truly a loss but his legacy will live on.”