Zika, zika virus, brain damage
© European Press AgencyA child born with brain damage caused by the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne virus which happened in originate in the same place a bunch of genetically modified mosquitoes were released in 2015.
A cluster of microcephaly linked to the Zika virus in Latin America poses a global public health emergency requiring a united response, says the World Health Organization. Experts are worried that the virus is spreading far and fast, with devastating consequences. The infection has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains.

The WHO alert puts Zika in the same category of concern as Ebola. It means research and aid will be fast-tracked to tackle the infection. WHO director general, Margaret Chan called Zika an "extraordinary event" that needed a coordinated response.

"I am now declaring that the recent cluster of microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities reported in Latin America following a similar cluster in French Polynesia in 2014 constitutes a public health emergency of international concern."

She said the priorities were to protect pregnant women and their babies from harm and to control the mosquitoes that are spreading the virus.

She advised pregnant women:
  • to consider delaying travel to areas affected by Zika
  • seek advice from their physician if they are living in areas affected by Zika, as well as protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing repellent
Dr Chan justified declaring an emergency even amid uncertainties about the disease, saying now was not the time to wait. The WHO faced heavy criticism for waiting too long to declare the Ebola outbreak a public emergency.