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The World Health Organization on Monday declared Zika Virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
WHO also said protective measures against mosquito bites remain the most important preventive measure against the virus.
Margaret Chan, the WHO Director General, said at a press briefing in Geneva, Monday, that a coordinated international response is needed to intensify the control of mosquito and expedite development of diagnostic tests.
She said:
“I convened the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee to gather advice on the severity of the health threat associated with Zika virus”
“The experts agreed that a causal relationship between Zika during pregnancy and microcephaly is strongly suspected.
“The causal relationship between Zika during pregnancy and microcephaly is not yet scientifically proven.
“The Committee found to public health justification for restrictions on travel or trade to prevent the spread of Zika virus.
“At present, the most important protective measures against Zika virus are the control of mosquito populations, prevention of mosquito bites in at-risk individuals, especially pregnant women.”
Dr. Chan, however, advised pregnant women to consider delaying travel to Zika virus-affected areas as well as protect themselves with safe mosquito repellant or long clothing.
The WHO’s position came a day after the Nigerian government advised a travel restriction of its pregnant citizens to Latin America, the worst hit region since the Zika virus outbreak began late last year.
Isaac Adewole, Nigeria’s Health Minister, said the restriction would remain in place until “the situation improves.”