“The mosquitoes known to transmit the virus are not established in Canada and are not well suited to our climate”, he said.
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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) – Colombia and Venezuela are both reporting a jump in cases of a rare, sometimes paralyzing syndrome that may be linked to the Zika virus.
“However, if a female partner is at risk of getting pregnant, or is already pregnant, condom use is advised for a male traveller”.
Etienne noted that proactive collaborative action on the outbreaks at the regional level has been ongoing since Brazil first reported local transmission of Zika virus to PAHO in May 2015.
PHE added: “This is a precaution and may be revised as more information becomes available”.
An Aedes aegypti mosquito is photographed through a microscope at the Fiocruz institute in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016.
Nigeria’s Health Ministry is warning citizens against traveling to Latin America because of the Zika virus outbreak, and is especially recommending that pregnant women not go there.
Health officials say three people in SC are being tested for the Zika virus, but no cases of the disease have been confirmed yet.
The WHO has set up an International Health Regulations Emergency Committee to examine Zika and will meet on Monday to decide whether it constitutes a global emergency.
Dr Lokman stressed that although the virus only caused slight fever, rashes on the body and joint pains, the Ministry viewed the matter seriously because the virus had been associated with microcephaly, a birth defect where infants are born with underdeveloped heads.
Colombia has also seen a rise in the number of patients diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder which can cause paralysis.
A group of Brazilian activists, lawyers and scientists are to petition the country’s supreme court in a bid to drop strict bars on abortion while the Zika virus sweeps the country, according to reports.
A Phase I clinical trial could begin later this year to test the safety and efficacy of a Zika vaccine in people, but Fauci cautioned that a finished product will take far longer.
Colombian Deputy Health Minister Fernando Ruiz said Friday that his country has recorded 41 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome that appear to be linked to Zika infections.
Experts believe the infection may trigger the immune system to attack nerve roots and peripheral nerves.
Zika virus was detected past year in May in Brazil.
“The government, churches, football teams, labor unions… everyone must do their part to eliminate the breeding grounds”, she said.
In a odd twist, his wife also displayed Zika virus-like symptoms.
Video: Zika Virus: Who’s At Risk?
The same mosquito species spreading Zika in Latin America is also found in the southern United States. But she said Alaskan women who are pregnant should avoid traveling to places where the virus has spread, or, if they must travel, do what they can to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
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Meanwhile, on Thursday, Canadian airlines, including WestJet and Air Canada, announced they are either giving travellers concerned about the Zika outbreak refunds or credits, or not charging for cancellations.
