Zika: WHO puts Asia on alert

New Delhi, October 1

The World Health Organisation has asked countries across the South-East Asia region to take decisive steps to prevent, detect and respond to Zika virus, saying Thailand had confirmed two cases of Zika-related microcephaly.

Microcephaly, a birth defect where a baby's head is smaller than expected, is related to the Zika virus which is caused by the bite of the same mosquito (Aedes agypti) as dengue.

"Zika virus infection is a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Countries across the Region must continue to strengthen measures aimed at preventing, detecting and responding to Zika virus transmission," Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director said.

The region comprises 11 nations, including India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic Republic of Korea, Maldives, Myanmar and Nepal. Thailand today confirmed two Zika-related microcephaly cases. — TNS