Zika is no longer global emergency, WHO says
- 8 years ago
The Zika virus outbreak and related clusters of microcephaly are no longer a public health emergency of international concern, the World Health Organization said Friday.
The decision comes nine months after the UN agency first declared an emergency over Zika and its associated complications.
Officials stressed, however, that the virus remains a threat wherever it can still be transmitted by mosquitoes and that health officials must not let down their guard.
Nearly 30 countries have reported birth defects linked to the virus.
WHO, which designated the health emergency in February, says more than 2,100 cases of nervous-system malformations have been reported in Brazil alone.
The decision comes nine months after the UN agency first declared an emergency over Zika and its associated complications.
Officials stressed, however, that the virus remains a threat wherever it can still be transmitted by mosquitoes and that health officials must not let down their guard.
Nearly 30 countries have reported birth defects linked to the virus.
WHO, which designated the health emergency in February, says more than 2,100 cases of nervous-system malformations have been reported in Brazil alone.