Thursday (January 28th) the World Health Organization announced the Zika virus is “spreading explosively” across the Americas. According to health officials 23 countries have been affected by the mosquitoes that are spreading the virus locally. The CDC reports 31 confirmed cases throughout out the United States over 11 states and the District of Columbia – which all stem from travel.
The Zika virus originates from Brazil and public health officials are currently investigating a link between the virus and a rare brain defect called microcephaly which effects infants, in addition to a nervous system syndrome known as Guillain-Barré. WHO predicts three to four million people could be infected with Zika virus in the Americas this year.
WHO director general Dr Margaret Chan said Zika has gone “from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions” and the organization will meet Monday to decide whether Zika should be treated as a global emergency.
Despite not having all the answers regarding the virus WHO has determined that the virus is spreading so rapidly for two reasons;
One, because it is a new disease to the region, the population does not have immunity, and two, the Zika virus is primarily transmitted by a mosquito species known as A. aegypti, which lives in every country in North and South America except Canada and Chile.
Check out the video below for a the World Health Organization’s full explanation of most essential questions about the Zika virus:
Zika virus causes a major risk to pregnant woman and unborn babies. There have been reports of a serious birth defect called microcephaly, which effects the brain. Woman pregnant or wanting to become pregnant should consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. More information below.
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