Zika virus, which is transmitted to humans by infected
Aedes aegypti
mosquitos, causes symptoms including light fever, rash, conjunctivitis
and muscle pain. Starting in March 2014 and through the first week of
2016, 14 countries and territories of the Americas reported cases of
Zika infection. The Pan American Health Organization/World Health
Organization (PAHO/WHO) is working with its member countries in the
region to prevent, detect and respond to this new threat.
Link to FAQs on Zika or scroll down: http://www.paho.org/hq/index.
php?option=com_content&view=
article&id=9183&Itemid=41463&
lang=en
A current concern is the effect of Zika virus on pregnant women and
newborn babies. In November 2015, the Ministry of Health of Brazil noted
a marked increase in microcephaly (in which the head circumference of
newborns is smaller than expected) that coincided with Zika virus
circulation in the country. With support from PAHO/WHO and other
agencies, health authorities are carrying out studies to clarify the
causes, risk factors, and consequences of this increase in microcephaly.
Link to
Zika and pregnancy Qs&As or scroll down: http://www.paho.org/hq/index.
php?option=com_content&view=
article&id=11552&Itemid=41672&
lang=en