WHO calls on Middle East to take steps to prevent Zika virus

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Monday 01 Feb 2016 - 14:24 Makkah mean time-22-4-1437 (Image from CDC) Cairo, (IINA) - As the Zika virus outbreak continues to spread reaching 24 countries in the Americas (as of January 27) the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director called on governments to work together to keep the Region protected, WAM reported. "Zika virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito, the same type of mosquito that transmits dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya", said Dr. Ala Alwan. "No cases of the virus have been reported so far in this region, but this type of mosquito exists in several countries here, so it is essential that government leaders take steps to prevent the virus from spreading if travelers returning from affected countries are infected with the virus". Most people with the disease experience mild fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, for up to a week. However, for the first time, in conjunction with the recent outbreak, there has been a steep increase in births of babies with abnormally small heads and neurological syndromes. It is not yet proven with certainty that the virus is causing the birth defects, but the evidence so far suggests strongly that there is a link, further investigations are underway. Because no specific treatment or vaccine is currently available, the best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites. People can protect themselves and their loved ones by using insect repellent, wearing clothes that cover as much of the body as possible, using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows, and emptying any containers that hold standing water because they often serve as breeding sites for the mosquitoes. As agreed by international law, all countries must work together by reporting to WHO any suspected case of the disease, so necessary actions can be taken to prevent the spreading of the virus. WHO is working globally to support countries where the disease has been detected, to help understand the potential link between the virus and birth defects, to reduce the international spread of the disease and to help expedite the development of a vaccine or treatment for Zika virus disease. Meanwhile, WHO does not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade but this decision will be reviewed regularly, considering that the situation varies by country. WHO also recommends travelers to consult the relevant national health advice before traveling to an affected country. AG/IINA