Zika virus spreads in South America, first cases in Europe

In 2015, about 3,500 babies have been born with underdeveloped brains in Brazil alone. It is one of the devastating effects linked to the Zika virus.

The infection, which causes symptoms including mild fever, conjunctivitis and headache, has already been found in 21 countries in the Caribbean, North and South America.

Countries like Colombia, Jamaica and Ecuador have advised women to “delay pregnancies”, the BBC informed.

No treatment or vaccine is available. The virus is native to Africa and was first found to be spreading in the Americas in Brazil in May 2015. The lack of any natural immunity in the Americas is thought to be helping the infection to spread rapidly.

LATIN AMERICA: THOUSANDS AFECTED

According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), only in Colombia 13,500 peole have been affected by the virus in Colombia, and hundred babies have suffered of microcephaly in 2015.

In Brazil, 49 deaths were reported in 2015. The Zika virus also hit El Salvador (5,500 patients) and Honduras (608). A few dozen cases are reported in other countries.

Meanwhile, medical organisations have informed that around 80% of infections do not result in symptoms.

THE AEDES MOSQUITOES

Zika is transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, which are found in all countries in the region except Canada and Chile.

In a statement the PAHO “anticipates that Zika virus will continue to spread and will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where Aedes mosquitoes are found.”

SOME CASES IN EUROPE

In Europe, the first two cases were discovered in Spain. Several media have also informed about infections in the UK (3 cases) and in Switzerland.