Venzuelan President Confirms Three Deaths From the Zika Virus

But there have been reports of birth problems, including an apparent spike in microcephaly cases in Brazil, a defect in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected.

Researchers have confirmed more than 460 of these cases as microcephaly and identified evidence of Zika infection in 41 of these cases, but have not proven the virus can cause microcephaly.

The day of activities against the Aedes aegypti mosquito was kicked off on Saturday by President Dilma Rousseff, who participated in several events conducted in a town in the interior of Rio de Janeiro state.

The move is in line with the fact that the World Health Organization (WHO) included Thailand as one of the countries and territories with autochthonous transmission of Zika virus for the first time on February 12.

The virus has also been linked to neurological conditions such as Guillain Barre syndrome.

However, the health agency said “the cause of the increase in GBS incidence… remains unknown, especially as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus have all been circulating simultaneously in the Americas”.

“Further, a case definition will be prepared to learn in depth about the virus, symptoms and treatment”, said a senior state official.

“They are concerned and are being given advice on how to proceed”, Cassius Duran, a former Brazilian diver, told reporters at the inauguration of the remodeled Maria Lenk Aquatic Center, where the Olympic diving will be held in August. He suspects that the spread of Zika virus was assisted by the World Cup in 2014, largely due to the large volume of travelers. Officials are still examining figures from countries such as Brazil, but say Colombia can expect between 500 and 600 cases this year. Common signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, rash, red eyes, and joint pain.

There is still no known cure or vaccine for Zika virus.

Nearly 30 percent of the pregnant women infected with Zika live near Columbia’s border with Venezuela in Norte de Santander province, authorities said.

“We must all understand that combating the mosquito is a priority”, said Brazilian Army spokesman Col. Gerson Freitas.

In one house, she sprayed insecticide in drains that could serve as mosquito breeding areas.