MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The mosquito-borne virus is thought to be linked with a surge in serious birth defects in South America. The UN health agency warned last week that the virus was “spreading explosively” in the Americas, with up to 4 million cases expected in the region in 2016.
The link between the Zika virus and microcephaly is “strongly suspected but not yet scientifically proven,” Chan said, as broadcast by the NBC news outlet.
According to Chan, it is yet unnecessary to introduce restrictions on travel, but authorities worldwide should prioritize mosquito control.
The Zika outbreak started in Brazil in spring 2015. It has since spread across Latin America, allegedly causing several deaths. The first case of the Zika virus in Europe was confirmed in Denmark in January, followed by Sweden and Germany.
