Up Close: Fighting the Zika virus

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City is stepping up its efforts against the Zika virus as we get ready for Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer, and the warmer weather.

The city is planning to spend more than $14 million over the next three years in the battle against Zika, which has been linked to birth defects outside the United States.

And most of the cases in the US are among people who have traveled outside the country in areas known to have Zika outbreaks.

The goal here, of course, is to reduce the mosquito population, which carries and transmits the virus.

The Health Department is also tracking all new infections.

Joining us this week is Dr. Jay Varma, New York City's Deputy Health Commissioner for Disease Control.

Also, there was a major crackdown this past week at Rikers Island, with 17 people arrested, including inmates and correction officers. They're accused of smuggling contraband into the jail.

Bill Ritter talks with Mark Peters, Commissioner for the NYC Department of Investigation, and Jennifer Sculco, Inspector General for the department.

Joining us are Mark Peters, New York City's Commissioner for the Department of Investigation, and Jennifer Sculco, the Inspector General for the department, who has been investigating the situation at Rikers.

Bill Ritter talks with Mark Peters, Commissioner for the NYC Department of Investigation, and Jennifer Sculco, the Inspector General for the department.

Finally, thanks to all of you who sent congratulations my way for graduating college on Friday. Not your typical student of course. 44 years after I was asked to leave college - because of anti-war protests.

If my math is correct, that's 16,101 days.

Or -- my life. From 22 years old to 66. In that span..about a dozen employers, 6 dogs, 4 cats, 3 children.

I went back to college to let my kids know that we're never too old to learn.

But it was me who truly learned that lesson, something we do everyday here - by bringing you the news. To be engaged and active, curious and always questioning, and open to whatever answer we might find.

My back story was not finishing college. But it's the story that's ahead of us that holds the real excitement.

So with that in mind, it's onward to whatever the future holds.

As we climb, let's also lift. And to quote the motto of the school of my 6-year-old daughter: we will go forth - Unafraid.