WHO warns on Zika virus explosive spreading

WHO emergency committee set an “extremely high” alert level, as the mosquito-borne virus linked to serious birth defects currently affects 23 countries in the Americas

World Health Organization officials raised concerns on the spreading of the Zika virus over the next year, as WHO experts forecast more than 3m infections in the Americas.

The viral infection affects new-born babies and can be the cause of a serious condition called microcephaly. Pregnant women were advised not to travel in affected areas, as there is no treatment or vaccine for the disease.

Margaret Chan, the WHO director general, declared during the emergency conference in Geneva last week:

“The level of alarm is extremely high. Arrival of the virus in some cases has been associated with a steep increase in the birth of babies with abnormally small heads.

“A causal relationship between Zika virus and birth malformations and neurological syndromes has not yet been established – this is an important point – but it is strongly suspected.

“The possible links have rapidly changed the risk profile of Zika from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions. The increased incidence of microcephaly is particularly alarming as it places a heartbreaking burden on families and communities.”

Additionally, Aedes aegypti mosquito population is expected to grow, due to El Niño weather patterns this year.

Brazil registered more than 1m Zika infections by now, accounting for 4,000 cases of microcephalic babies. As Brazil will be the host of this summer's Olympic games, the International Olympic Committee, country's authorities and WHO experts will cooperate for implementing virus management in accordance to the international health regulations. In addition, Brazil focuses its efforts on mosquito population eradication.

Zika, also related to yellow fever and dengue conditions, gradually became a global threat,. The disease is considered to have “explosive pandemic potential”, due to its insidious behavior. 80% of the infected people develop no symptoms, making it difficult for pregnant women to know if their baby will be affected or not.