Zika Virus Is No Longer A Global Health Emergency – WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the Zika virus and its associated consequences are no longer a global health issue, following a meeting of its Emergency Committee on Zika. The infectious disease had affected several continents and had required a coordinated international response. The WHO stressed that it will remain vigilant in managing the Zika virus, which still poses a significant challenge for the long-term.
According to the "Miami Herald," the WHO advised people not to be complacent when dealing with the Zika virus despite their declaration. The Zika virus is brought by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti species of mosquito. It can also be transmitted through sex.
Dan Epstein, a spokesman for the UN health body, states that "Zika is still a very significant long-term problem." He adds that "There's a lot of work to do, and what we have to do is improve and coordinate more research."
The CNN reported on the history of the Zika virus which was first declared by the WHO as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in February 2016 after an outbreak in Brazil. This infectious disease caused birth defects and other neurological disorders in babies born to mothers infected with the virus while pregnant.
The Zika virus had spread across borders through the Caribbean, Central America, all of South America, Africa, and Asia. Studies have confirmed the link between Zika and microcephaly. More research is needed to support that connection, says Epstein.
The Emergency Committee proposed the creation of a sustained program that will develop dedicated resources aimed at addressing the long nature of the disease.
The meeting presented the latest developments on Zika virus geographic spread, epidemiology, microcephaly, and other neonatal complications associated with Zika. The WHO is planning to implement a transition plan to establish a longer-term mechanism for Zika response.
