Costa Rica Orders Emergency to Prevent Spread of Zika Virus

A preventive emergency has been declared in Costa Rica over the spread of Zika virus to accelerate the fight against the mosquito carrying the illness, said the presidency.

The decree, signed on February 25, 2016 by the health minister, Fernando Llorca, applies to 31 of Costa Rica's 81 administrative regions and gives authorities wider powers in terms of financing and personnel to curb mosquito populations.

Zika Infections Confirmed in 9 Pregnant Women in the US: CDC
Two of the nine women tested positive for Zika later in their pregnancies, during the second trimester. One woman gave birth to a baby with microcephaly.

‘The preventive emergency was declared in Costa Rico to boost health officials’ ability to prevent a Zika epidemic.’

Tweet it Now

The Zika virus is strongly suspected to be linked to an outbreak of birth defects in northeastern Brazil that resulted in hundreds of babies with abnormally small skulls and brains.

It has spread throughout much of Latin America, including Costa Rica, a Central American nation with beaches and jungles that attracts more than a million US tourists a year.

This week, the country reported its first two cases of locally contracted Zika, in the northwestern province of Guanacaste.

WHO Recommendations: Women In Zika Hit Countries Should Breastfeed Babies
Zika virus had been detected in the breast milk of two infected mothers, but added there are currently no documented reports of Zika virus being transmitted to infants through breastfeeding

Communication Minister Mauricio Herrera said that "the situation is under control right now," but that the decree was issued to boost officials' ability "to prevent an epidemic."

Source-AFP

'Fight Against Zika Virus Is a Long Journey': WHO Chief
The number of Zika virus cases will be on the rise. There is currently no cure or vaccine for the Zika virus. The fight against Zika virus is going to be a long journey.

Cuba Deploys Security Forces In Effort To Prevent Zika Outbreak
Cuba has not officially recorded any cases of the Zika virus, which is suspected of causing serious birth defects in babies born to infected mothers.