There are four areas of concern with the mosquito-spread virus, according to WHO, resulting in a warning that “the level of concern is extremely high.”
“First, the possible association of infection with birth malformations and neurological syndromes. Second, the potential for further international spread given the wide geographical distribution of the mosquito vector. Third, the lack of population immunity in newly affected areas. Fourth, the absence of vaccines,” Margaret Chan, the WHO general director, observed.
“We’ve got no drugs and we’ve got no vaccines. It’s a case of deja vu because that’s exactly what we were saying with Ebola,” Trudie Lang, a professor of global health at Oxford University stated. “It’s really important to develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.”
The Centers for Disease Control has warned that pregnant women should avoid travel to a list of over a dozen countries known to have Zika, and take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.