The WHO has just declared an international emergency in response to the emergence of the zika virus
Public Health Emergency of Intl Concern: the cluster of #microcephaly cases & its possible association w/ #ZikaVirushttps://t.co/jgnorT0Ia1
— WHO (@WHO) February 1, 2016
The race to understand Zika link to baby microcepahly is on yet the fear is that for those threatened by Zika, vaccines may not come soon enough. Brazil has warned pregnant women to avoid the Olympics and Public Health England is advising to consider delaying travel to countries with ongoing Zika outbreaks. The list of affected countries is unfortunately expanding fast …
Where in the world is #ZikaVirus? Our new interactive #Zika map will tell you: https://t.co/Cg2zYpD9WOpic.twitter.com/UfyhIZyKRK
— HealthMap (@healthmap) February 2, 2016
… and climate change may affect the spread; considering trade and travel, this may well extend beyond current projections such as
How climate change could affect Zika virus https://t.co/GfemgUgXt4pic.twitter.com/0v6ZFBT44V
— ClimateCentral (@ClimateCentral) February 2, 2016
How can I protect myself from Zika?
Short answer: no mosquito bite – no Zika.
Follow these simple yet effective steps when travelling to minimize exposure
- wear mosquito-proof clothing and permethrin impregnated socks
- apply high-grade insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin or Citriodiol (lemon eucalyptus) on exposed skin
- sleep under an impregnated mosquito net
- check for and empty any water depots around you – mosquitoes lay their eggs there, and you don’t want those to hatch! More info also see Mosquitoes – Harmless Nuisance or Threat in the UK?
You may also want to read the latest developments with regards to Zika virus being sexually transmitted; i.e. Reuters on WHO calls for further investigation into sexual spread of Zika virus.
With regards to Business Continuity and potential impacts to the economy of regions affected by Zika, read Prof Geraint Johnes’ (Lancaster University) illuminating article The human cost of Zika is clear, but will Brazil’s economy suffer too? drawing comparisons to recent SARS outbreaks affecting Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and China.
Monika
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