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WHO declared public health emergency over virus-related condition
02.02.2016 08:02 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
As of yesterday, a public health emergency has been declared by the WHO (World Health Organization) over a brain condition which is related to the spread of a mosquito-borne virus, UN Radio says referring to the WHO report.
It is to be admitted, the Zika virus, which in itself is relatively harmless, has been linked to a cluster of neurological abnormalities in South America.
As to the report, health experts are concerned that the Zika virus is in some way responsible for a significant increase in cases of microcephaly, a condition which leads to babies being born with an abnormally small skull and deformed brain.
Reportedly, in Brazil there have been some 4,000 cases of the condition reported since last year Oct. Around 20 countries mainly in Central and South America are thought to be affected.
As to the report, the Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes.
It is to be admitted, the WHO alert means that the outbreak has been classed in the same category of concern as Ebola, a disease which has killed over 11,000 people in West Africa.
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