The World Health Organisation has recently declared that the Zika virus outbreak is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), due to the undoubted link of the Zika virus to a wave in serious birth defects in South America. Experts now are anxious about devastating consequences of Zika virus, which can spread too far and fast.
The World Health Organisation has recently declared that the Zika virus outbreak is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), due to the undoubted link of the Zika virus to a wave in serious birth defects in South America. Experts now are anxious about devastating consequences of Zika virus, which can spread too far and fast.
The Guardian reports WHO chief Margaret Chan said the link between the Zika virus and microcephaly was “strongly suspected but not yet scientifically proven.” Chan added that according to a review of the evidence "the clusters of microcephaly and other neurological complications constitute an extraordinary event and public health threat to other parts of the world."
Margaret Chan also advised pregnant women to consider delaying travel to Zika-affected areas and to consult to their physician if they are living in affected areas. She reminded about a protection against mosquito bites by wearing repellent.
Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment to stop Zika virus. Moreover, BBC says that the WHO alert puts Zika in the same category of concern as Ebola. Consequently, the only way to avoid virus is to attempt not to be bitten by the Aedes mosquitoes that spreads the infection.
