The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an epidemiological alert against Zika virus in the relationship with increasing cases in newborns with microcephaly. The statement recommends that the 140 member countries implement their strategies so as to control the mosquito Aedes aegypti (tiger mosquito) which transmits the virus.

According to the report, nine countries had confirmed the presence of Zika: Brazil, Colombia, Chile, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Suriname, Paraguay, and Venezuela. The presence of the virus was felt in Brazil at the beginning of this year, but the authorities did not give much importance to it because their symptoms did not show serious symptoms which include low fever, itching, and red spots on the body. However, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has confirmed the relationship with the epidemic cases of microcephaly in the country, which has already reached 1,248 this year alone.

Zika in Brazil since March, 2015

The Zika virus arrived in Brazil in March 2015, but since October, the number of newborns with diagnosed microcephaly has increased dramatically. Five years ago, five cases were recorded in 100,000 births. Presently, 100 cases have been recorded.

Microcephaly is characterized by a lower than normal head circumference of 33cm in newborns, which prevents the development of the nervous system by reducing the brain tissues. Experts are of the opinion that “microcephaly can cause cognitive and motor impairment”. It is suspected that Zika crosses the placenta and “feeds” on the amniotic fluid in which the fetus grows, therefore affecting the brain development.

WHO, therefore, calls on countries to “prepare health services to a potential additional demand at all levels of health care and a higher demand for specialized services to care for neurological syndromes”. Also, the body asks that special attention should be given to pregnant women and to strengthen consultation activities as well as prenatal care. So far, the Brazilian Ministry of Health suspects that the risk is associated with the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester).

The WHO document also points to three deaths as a result of Zika; involving two adults and a newborn, as a factor that led to issuing the alert. It is believed that this virus may have contributed to the worsening of the cases and deaths. It is the first case of death associated with Zika.
Representatives of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) went to Brazil to assist in the investigation of the relationship between microcephaly and the virus. Among the measures recommended to prevent contact with mosquitoes, WHO emphasizes the use of mosquito nets, clothing that covers extremities and the use of mosquito repellants.

The tropical mosquito is usually found in places where there is stagnant water.

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