WHO Urges Vigilance Amid High Zika Risk Despite Reported Decline

Zika virus continues to spread geographically to areas where competent vectors are present, according to a report of the World Health Organization (WHO).

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Despite some localized decline in Zika virus cases, risk of infection remains high, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday.

"Zika virus continues to spread geographically to areas where competent vectors are present. Although a decline in cases of Zika infection has been reported in some countries, or in some parts of countries, vigilance needs to remain high," the report summarized.

In the past week Montserrat and Palau joined the list of countries and territories who have reported cases of the mosquito-borne infection.

The fifth meeting of the Emergency Committee on Zika virus, microcephaly and other neurological disorders will be held on November 18.

The current Zika outbreak started in Brazil in the spring of 2015. It has since spread across Latin America, with cases having been reported in several European countries and the United States. In February, the WHO declared the Zika virus a global public health emergency.

The virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which is common in tropical areas of the Americas. Zika poses little threat to the general population, but is suspected of leading to severe brain defects and cases of microcephaly in newborns.