WHO declares Zika an ‘international health emergency’
Four million people could be infected with the virus this year. Global health leaders—criticized on how they handled Ebola—are taking swift action to curtail the spread.
There’s no time for a wait-and-see approach.
That’s the message that Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization, delivered to journalists on Monday.
In a rare declaration that represents the WHO’s highest level of alert and is invoked only in response to the most dire threats, Chan said the mosquito-borne virus has spread to 25 countries, including the United States. Pregnant women are especially at risk, said Chan.
This is only the fourth time such a declaration has been made.
Following the press conference, The Washington Post reported:
Zika, which was first identified more than 50 years ago, has alarmed public health officials in recent months as it was potentially linked to thousands of cases of brain defects, known as microcephaly, in newborns. Estimates are that the virus will infect up to 4 million people by year’s end.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
