The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the Zika computer virus an international health emergency on Monday , a rare move prompted by the “ explosive ” spread of the mosquito - borne virus .
The Zika computer virus is now in more than20 countriesand territories in the Americas , with no effective vaccine or treatmet yet develop . Although most case of the contagion are mild with very few symptom , the threat to meaning fair sex is interest . The computer virus is tie in to birth defects , specificallymicrocephaly – a neurological condition where an babe is born with an abnormally minor head . At this prison term , the microcephaly link is " powerfully suspected ” but not proven .
“ After a review of the evidence , the citizens committee advise that the clusters of microcephaly and other neurologic complication constitute an extraordinary event and public health threat to other share of the world,”saidWHO Director - General Margaret Chan at a news group discussion in geneva . She added that “ an external response is needed to derogate the threat in infect countries and reduce danger of outside cattle ranch . ”
Up to4 million casesof the Zika computer virus are expected by the end of the year , according to WHO estimates . More than 4,000 cases of microcephaly have been reported in Brazil since October .
First key out in 1947 , a late billow in children born with microcephaly and people withGuillain - Barre syndrome – rare disorder where peripheral nervous system damage get muscle impuissance – has created cause for concern . After face heavy criticism for their recent reply to the Ebola outbreak , WHO official are now taking a much more assertive stance .
“ The WHO admit a very serious rack up to their report , ” said Dr. Ron Waldman , a George Washington University professor of global health , toThe New York Times . “ They do have to be mindful of the political relation , but they have to get the scientific discipline right on , too . They do n’t have much elbow room for slip - ups . ”
A state of emergency is declared when the WHO believe more resources and effort are straightaway needed to forbid an outbreak from escalate further . The WHO can also now issue change of location advisory and coordinate endeavor to battle its spread .
