WHO says Zika virus is “no longer an emergency”
The mosquito-borne Zika virus will no longer be treated as an international medical emergency, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared, the BBC wrote.
By lifting its nine-month-old declaration, the UN’s health agency is acknowledging that Zika is here to stay, it added.
The infection has been linked to severe birth defects in almost 30 countries. These include microcephaly, where babies are born with abnormally small heads and restricted brain development, according to the BBC.
The WHO says more than 2,100 cases of nervous-system malformations have been reported in Brazil alone.
Although the virus is mostly spread by mosquitoes, it can also be sexually transmitted, the BBC added.
The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.
Latest posts by Libyan Express (see all)
- How to Get an Entry Visa to Libya - December 05, 2024
- How to Treat Chalazion and Stye: Complete Medical Guide (2024) - December 05, 2024
- Presidential Council spokesperson discusses referendum proposals - December 05, 2024