Zika, the perplexing mosquito-borne virus that causes the life-altering birth defect microcephaly, has so far infected 1,306 known people in the continental United States and another 1,610 in U.S. territories, including 649 pregnant women.

But last week, Congress began its seven-week summer recess—without approving a supplemental appropriation that would have contributed more than $1 billion to the fight against the virus.

Since the request for money was first made in February by President Barack Obama, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health agencies have warned that failing to fund the Zika fight would have dire consequences. With new money off the table until at least September—and, given the election season, possibly far longer—I talked to CDC