Zika Virus Is Global Public Health Threat: WHO

World Health Organization (WHO) declares after Monday’s emergency meeting of independent experts the Zika virus outbreak is a global emergency even without getting a definitive evidence it is causing a surge in babies born with brain defects in Brazil.

The UN agency called the outbreak as an extraordinary event posing public health threat beyond Latin America where it has spread faster than believed.

WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said the committee has advised in the Monday’s meeting that clusters of microcephaly and other neurological complications constitute extraordinary event as well as public health threat to other parts of the world.

According to WHO, there could be 4 million cases of Zika by next year in the Americas. However, it didn’t make any recommendations to restrict travel or trade.

Pregnant women are advised to take preventive measures from the mosquito-borne virus like wearing full sleeves and using repellent. They are also advised to postpone traveling to Brazil and other regions where the virus has hit hard.

Women are suggested to postpone getting pregnant if it does not affect other family commitments.

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued travel warning to Brazil for pregnant women.