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Written By: Agencies | Updated : February 5, 2016 6:18 PM IST
The recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurologic disorders reported in Brazil constituted a public health emergency of international concern, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday. The announcement came after WHO convened its first emergency committee meeting on Zika virus, Xinhua reported. Zika virus outbreak in some countries of the Americas, notably Brazil, has been associated with a steep increase in the birth of babies with abnormally small heads and cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome. (Read: Zika virus may spread in India rapidly. Here's how you can prevent it)
The casual relations between the Zika infection during pregnancy and microcephaly is strongly suspected, though not scientifically proven, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan declared the extraordinary event at a press conference. Chen said the broad geographical distribution of mosquito species, lack of vaccines, rapid and reliable diagnoses, as well as the absence of population immunity in newly affected countries are further causes for concern. She called for a coordinated international response to minimise the threats in affected countries and reduce the risk of further spread. (Read: Is India at risk of Zika? What are its symptoms? How to prevent it and more )
Source: IANS
Photo Source: Getty Images
