WHO calls for decisive action to tackle Zika virus

World Health Organization (WHO) has asked countries across South-East Asia Region, including India, to continue to take decisive action to prevent, detect and respond to Zika virus.

WHO South-East Asia, Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh said in New Delhi that countries across the Region must continue to strengthen measures aimed at preventing, detecting and responding to Zika virus transmission.

Meanwhile, Thailand has



confirmed two cases of Zika-related microcephaly, which along with other neurological disorders, can occur when a neonate has been exposed to Zika virus in utero. Zika virus infection is a serious threat to the health and well-being of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

The presence of Zika virus in the WHO South-East Asia Region has been documented in recent years, including from Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives and Bangladesh.