World Health Organization says Zika virus will top the body’s annual assembly

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The chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) says the Zika virus and other health emergencies will top the body’s annual assembly, which meets next week in Geneva.

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan says the more that is known about the Zika virus and particularly its impact on pregnant women, the more worrisome it becomes.   

Zika currently is circulating in 59 countries, among them Brazil, which is hosting this year’s Summer Olympic Games.  While Brazil is in the forefront of the epidemic, Dr. Chan says WHO does not support a travel ban to the Games. 

Chan does, however, advise caution, especially for pregnant women who could give birth to babies with brain abnormalities if they become infected with the virus. 

“Pregnant women should avoid traveling to these places who are reporting local infection.… Another important point is men who travel to these countries, including to the Olympics, should they be infected when they get home, they must practice safe sex, particularly if their partners or spouse are pregnant.  So, they need to use a condom for the entire duration of the pregnancy,” she said.