Director-general of WHO, Margaret Chan, says the spread of the Zika virus is an extraordinary event.
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The WHO has only declared a public health emergency three times since its International Health Regulations were enacted in 2007.
This is the first World Health Organization global emergency since the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
“Technicians have informed us that approximately 80 percent of people who are infected by the Zika virus do not develop significant symptoms”.
“The experts agreed that a causal relationship between Zika during pregnancy and microcephaly is strongly suspected”. It’s considered rare, but Brazil has seen an apparent spike in cases since the mosquito-borne Zika virus was first reported in the country in May.
Last week, she called for the emergency meeting to advise on the severity of the health threat associated with Zika virus disease in Latin America and the Caribbean. The move should help fast-track global action and research priorities.
World Health Organization recommended that pregnant women delay traveling to the countries affected by the Zika virus.
The meeting was convened after noting a suspicious link between Zika’s arrival in Brazil a year ago and a surge in the number of babies born with abnormally small heads.
The lack of population immunity, coupled with the absence of any vaccine of treatment underpinned the WHO’s concern.
“Although no one has contracted Zika virus in California, mosquito bites can still be harmful and the public should take steps to protect themselves”, Smith said in a statement.
In Brazil, The President has signed a measure allowing health officials access to any building to wipe out breeding grounds for mosquitos.
It has advised that any patients who suffer from a severe, chronic medical condition, or have medical conditions that weaken the immune system, should seek advice from health workers before travelling.
QU has no plans to cancel any upcoming trips to regions with reported cases of the Zika Virus, QU spokesperson John Morgan said.
The virus is spread by mosquitoes, and public health officials encourage those in areas with the virus to use mosquito repellent, and to wear clothing that covers skin.
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Operation Blessing is also working with The Mayo Clinic, to produce public service announcements, and those will air on El Salvadoran TV and that will spread awareness as well as teach people how to avoid contracting the Zika virus.
