The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday has declared the Zika outbreak as a global emergency. A united response is required as the disease linked to Zika virus poses a global public emergency, said WHO. The virus, which has devastating consequences, is spreading fast and far.
WHO has put Zika outbreak in the same category as Ebola. Thus, research and aid are likely to be fast-tracked. Zika has been linked to microcephaly cases, where babies are born with shrunken heads.
WHO’s Director-General, Margaret Chan has advised pregnant women to delay travel to Latin American countries. Also, she has asked women living in Zika affected areas to wear repellents and seek medical attention to protecting themselves.
Meanwhile, India has also warned pregnant women to avoid travel to countries that are battling Zika outbreak. The virus is seen as a threat to people residing in the Indian sub-continent. While the government continues to ignore the Zika threat, doctors continue to advise Indian citizens to protect themselves.
So far, India is Zika free, but India has had several Chikungunya and Dengue outbreaks before, which is a clear indicator that the virus could spread in the future. Aedes Mosquito is the culprit behind all the three diseases.
According to medical experts, we need to start protecting against this deadly virus. Usually, 80 percent of these mild infections go unnoticed. Screenings at airports should be a must as it is the travelers who are most likely to spread the disease.
Weather conditions will also play quite an important role. Places with extreme temperatures and high humidity will be most affected because these circumstances are apt for the virus to spread. If and when India gets hit by Zika, the coastal areas and the Western Ghats will be the worst infected area.
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