Zika Virus Declared A Global Emergency By The WHO

Just this Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the recent outbreak of the Zika virus an international health emergency.

The virus, which is spread through mosquito bites, typically resulting in fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and may result in subsequent birth defects. The virus is also dangerous for those with compromised immune systems and has so far been reported in 20 countries in Latin America over the last nine months.

At this time, the primary concern is infection in pregnant women that may result in their future child having microcephaly-a neurodevelopmental disorder in which then newborn has a much smaller head in proportion to the rest of his or her body along with brain damage.

According to CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden, two groups are at greatest risk of contracting the virus at this time-residents in the Caribbean and Central American nations, as well as pregnant women.

"In these areas, women who are pregnant need to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using repellants, permethrin-coated clothing, long sleeves and pants, and by staying indoors (ideally in places with air conditioning) as much as is practical," Frieden wrote. "We advise pregnant women to postpone travel to areas where Zika is spreading."

The spread of the virus has also been reported in a few isolated cases via blood transfusion and sexual contact, according to Frieden.

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