The Obama administration says it will ask the US Congress for $1.8 billion in emergency funding to combat the Zika virus.
The virus, which is transmitted primarily through mosquitoes, has spread rapidly through the Americas and has been linked to a condition called microcephaly, in which babies are born with underdeveloped brains.
According to BBC News, the White House in making the announcement today, said the money would be used to expand mosquito control programs, speed development of a vaccine, develop diagnostic tests and improve support for low-income pregnant women.
The virus is currently being transmitted to new patients in 26 countries in the Americas, according to the Pan American Health Organization.
Additionally, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed 50 cases of the virus in the US among people who had travelled to affected regions and returned to the US.
