Zika virus outbreak - Expert reaction
Concern over the current outbreak of the mosquito-spread Zika virus in the Americas is growing.
The virus is likely to spread to all countries in the Americas except for Canada and Chile, the World Health Organization said yesterday. The US Centres for Disease Control currently lists 22 countries with active transmission of the virus, including Samoa.
The virus, initially thought only to cause mild fever and rashes, has now been tentatively linked to increases in the
incidence of microcephaly - incomplete brain development - in newborns.
The New Zealand Ministry of Health has updated its information and advice on the Zika virus on the Ministry website.
ENDS