Brazil's Zika Virus Declared 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern'

  • by: Perry Sanders III

zika map.jpg

The World Health Organization declared the Zika virus a "public health emergency of international concern" on Monday.

The above photo was published on the Center for Disease and Control Website, showing

The WHO director general, Dr. Margaret Chan, described Zika as a major problem after the first meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website describes the virus:

"Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon."

In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert of the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil.

In response, CDC has issued travel notices for people traveling to certain countries where the Zika virus is still detectable.

Discussions at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva are ongoing today, February 1, 2016. We will update you with any new information as talks continue.

Thumbnail image for p3.jpgPerry Sanders III is a Philosophy graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and is an editor and social media manager at Lead Stories.

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