BBC : reported that Zika virus: Brazil says emergency is over

Image copyright EPA Image caption The virus has been linked to microcephaly, or abnormally small headsBrazil has declared an end to a national emergency over the Zika virus after a sharp decrease in cases. The Zika virus has been linked to severe birth defects in almost 30 countries. Professor David Heymann was the chairman of the World Health Organization's emergency committee for the Zika outbreak. The World Health Organisation lifted its own international emergency in November last year. No deaths related to the virus have been reported this year, it added, saying that eight people died last year.

Brazil says Zika epidemic is officially over

A committee convened by Chan officially declared Zika a public health emergency of international concern Feb. 1, indicating that the disease constitutes an international public health risk and requires a coordinated response. 1 SHARES Share TweetAlthough authorities are still on alert, the Zika epidemic seems to have backed off. Brazil declared a national emergency state in 2015, starting a campaign to eradicate the mosquitoes that spread the diseases. As more and more cases were being reported in Brazil and neighboring countries, there was a concern that with people from all over the world coming to Brazil, the diseases would spread everywhere. Meanwhile, in 2016, there were 170,535 cases reported from January to April alone, causing the WHO to declare it a public health emergency of international concern.

Brazil announces end to Zika public health emergency

"The end of the emergency doesn't mean the end of surveillance or assistance" to affected families, said Adeilson Cavalcante, the secretary for health surveillance at Brazil's health ministry. Fall in cases brings end to the emergency 18 months after the virus hit headlines around the worldBrazil has declared an end to its public health emergency over the Zika virus, 18 months after a surge in cases drew headlines around the world. The health ministry said those efforts have helped to dramatically reduce cases of Zika. In response to the outbreak, Brazil launched a mosquito-eradication campaign. "The health ministry and other organisations involved in this area will maintain a policy of fighting Zika, dengue and chikungunya."All three diseases are carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.


collected by :Lucy William
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