Korea Takes Measures to Prevent Influx of Zika Virus

In this emergency context, pregnant Zika-positive women in Colombia are gaining access to usually restricted abortion services.

While Brazil has seen a surge in babies born with Zika-linked microcephaly – where babies are born with smaller heads and brains – Colombia has not, he said.

Brazil, where the virus is most prevalent, said Zika had been detected in urine and saliva, and officials there and in the USA warned even kissing could potentially spread the disease.

The release stated the Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito, though there also have been reports of transmission through sexual contact.

Santos confirmed more than 25,000 people were infected with the virus overall in the country, the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo reported.

In addition, President Santos mentioned there may be up to 1,000 cases, or an increase of 66 percent, of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare but very Zika-linked serious nerve condition that can cause paralysis.

The government will be working across the country to fight mosquitoes – fumigating and helping families rid their homes of stagnant water, the president said.

“Mortality is high”, Gaviria said in a phone interview a day after meeting with health ministers from around Latin America in Montevideo to address the crisis caused by the spread of Zika.

Travellers returning from infected areas are advised to seek treatment should they show symptoms of Zika virus infection. Last Tuesday’s case marks the first report in the current outbreak of someone being infected without leaving the United States, health officials said.

Two cases of Zika virus have been diagnosed in Queensland, Australia.

Carnival is under way in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, despite fears over the spread of the Zika virus.

National adviser communicable disease Dr Mike Kama said ministry officials could not track the two persons believed to have contracted the virus after their discharge from the Suva Private Hospital previous year. Most recently, this virus spread by mosquitoes, has been found in at least 18 countries in the Americas.

In a press briefing, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Tom Frieden said that one of their utmost priorities regarding the Zika virus outbreak is the welfare of the pregnant women.

According to Touraine, 18 cases of the Zika virus have been reported in travelers from France’s overseas territories including Martinique and Guadeloupe located in the Caribbean.

In comparison, the virus is still not as widespread in North America with Mexico reporting some 37 cases and United States around 40.

“Pregnant women, in any point of their pregnancy, or those who are attempting to become pregnant, should consider postponing any travel to areas where Zika is present”, David Garry, professor in the Department Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, said.