Zika virus threat

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The World Health Organization said today that the Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects and neurological problems, is spreading explosively across Latin America. Today the Canadian government announced blood donations will be refused from those who have travelled to countries where the mosquito borne Zika virus has become widespread.

In just a few months more than a thousand babies in Brazil have been born with abnormally small heads due to a neurological complication linked to Zika.

“The possible links, only recently suspected, have rapidly changed the risk profile of Zika, from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions.” Said WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan.

Zika is spread by mosquitoes and in most people causes no more than mild illness but, pregnant Canadian women interested in going to Central or South America, Mexico or the Caribbean need know the risks. The mosquitoes that carry and transmit the Zika virus don’t live in Canada due to the colder weather, but they can survive in the southern states.

Experts say one of the species has been found in New York state and has the potential to survive in Canada. “The mosquitoes species itself could make its way up here but if it hasn’t actually been involved in a cycle of Zika virus transmission in the states then we are still safe.” Says Fiona Hunter, biological sciences from Brock University.

The lab at McMaster is already testing over 10 000 different specimens of related virus’s and say it is very possible they could be investigating the Zika virus in the near future.

Canadian airlines Westjet and Air Canada are now offering refunds to those who have have booked flights to affected areas.