WHO declares Zika Virus Public Health Emergency

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Zika Virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The disease which was first reported in Brazil in May 2015, has now spread to 22 countries mainly in Latin America. Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito and is suspected as the cause of microcephaly in some babies born recently in affected areas.

Nigeria's Health Minister Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole only recently placed a travel restriction of its pregnant citizens to Latin America.

Zika virus which currently has no treatment and vaccine is primarily prevented by avoiding mosquito bites.