The United States Secretary for Health and Human Services on Friday declared a state of emergency in Puerto Rico because of the widespread transmission of the Zika virus, which poses a "significant threat" to public health.

The statement came at the request of Alejandro Garca Padilla, governor of the US commonwealth, where the Zika virus is spreading rapidly, threatening hundreds of pregnant women and their unborn babies and women of childbearing age.

The declaration will allow HHS to provide added support to the government of Puerto Rico to address the outbreak on the island.

Specifically, declaration allows the government of Puerto Rico to apply for funding to hire and train unemployed workers to assist in vector control and outreach and education efforts through the US Department of Labors National Dislocated Worker Grant program.