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Blogs > jetsandmets > My Blog

Zika Virus Declared Global Health Emergency  

jetsandmets 62M
85 posts
2/1/2016 12:59 pm
Zika Virus Declared Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization has declared that the Zika virus poses a global public health emergency.

The infection, which experts fear is spreading very fast, has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains.

This alert puts Zika in the same category of international concern as Ebola and will help fast-track research and aid toward fighting the infection.

Although the mosquito-borne virus’s symptoms are relatively mild, it is believed to be linked to a surge in cases of microcephaly, a condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head and brain.

WHO chief Margaret Chan said the link between the Zika virus and microcephaly was “strongly suspected but not yet scientifically proven.”

On its website, WHO says it is deeply concerned about this rapidly evolving situation for four main reasons:

the possible association of infection with birth malformations and neurological syndromes
the potential for further international spread given the wide geographical distribution of the mosquito vector
the lack of population immunity in newly affected areas
and the absence of vaccines, specific treatments, and rapid diagnostic tests
Also, conditions associated with this year’s El Niño weather pattern are expected to increase mosquito populations greatly in many areas.

sphxdiver 74M
21063 posts
2/1/2016 1:08 pm

 Along with West Nile virus and Malaria


JPK7777 45F
Ask me for a photo

2/1/2016 2:04 pm

 There is some talk that this was man made. The scientists were trying to get a handle on controlling malaria and dengue fever. The genetically altered mosquitos were released a tad too early. Anyhow, this is one theory that is making headlines. The virus is present in semen long after the person is healthy and well...ready to be passed on. Nasty illness. More to come I am sure.


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