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25/01/2016

WHO Issues Warning Over Zika Virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that the Zika virus is "likely" to spread across nearly all of the Americas.

The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitos and causes symptoms including light fever, rash, conjunctivitis and muscle pain. However, there are real concerns of the effect of the virus on pregnant women and their newborns.

In November 2015, the Ministry of Health of Brazil noted an increase in microcephaly, in which the head circumference of newborns is smaller than expected, which is said to have coincided with Zika virus circulation in the country.

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With thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains, some countries have now advised women to avoid falling pregnant.

The virus is native to Africa and was first found to be spreading in the Americas in Brazil in May 2015. Recently, however, it was said that the disease has already been found in 21 countries in the Caribbean, North and South America. It is thought a lack of natural immunity in the Americas is causing the infection to spread quickly. There is no treatment or vaccine currently available.

In a statement, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional office of the WHO, said: "PAHO anticipates that Zika virus will continue to spread and will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where Aedes mosquitoes are found."

A total of 14 countries and territories of the Americas are now said to have reported cases of Zika infection.

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) added that it is working with its member countries in the region "to prevent, detect and respond to this new threat."

Studies are also being undertaken to clarify the causes, risk factors, and consequences of the increase in microcephaly.

(JP/MH)

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"The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that the Zika virus is "likely" to spread across nearly all of the Americas."