Zika virus declared a global health emergency by WHO

The World Health Organisation has declared the mosquito-borne Zika virus to be an international public health emergency as the disease linked to thousands of suspected cases of birth defects in Brazil spreads rapidly.

WHO director-general Margaret Chan said on Monday an international coordinated response was needed to improve detection and speed work on a vaccine and better diagnostics, although curbs on travel or trade were not necessary.

Key points:

 * WHO says virus is of international concern
 * Linked to thousands of birth defects in Brazil
 * Could infect up to 4 million people in the Americas

Read more...http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-02/who-declares-zika-virus-global-health-emergency/7131800