Zika virus 'could hit Europe within months', WHO warns

Zika is believed to have affected children in more than 50 countries
AP Photo/Felipe Dana

A Zika virus outbreak could happen in Europe this summer, according to the World Health Organisation.

The virus is known to carry thousands of birth defects, causing babies to have abnormally small heads when compared with the rest of their body.

Although the risk of outbreak has been classified as ‘low to moderate’, WHO have warned it should not be underestimated.

WHO Europe regional director, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, said: “The new evidence published today tells us that there is a risk of spread of Zika virus disease in the European region and that this risk varies from country to country.

“We call particularly on countries at higher risk to strengthen their national capacities and prioritise the activities that will prevent a large Zika outbreak.”

WHO’s assessment showed 18 European countries as having a moderate risk of a Zika with the most likely being France, due to the density of its urban population.

The UK is one of 36 European countries which are classed as having a low chance of an outbreak.

WHO based their assessment on the presence of Zika carrying mosquitoes, climate, transport connections and population density.

The virus is carried by the Aedes mosquito, and originated in the Zika forest of Uganda.

Zika is spread by the Aedes mosquito  
Felipe Dana/AP

The Zika virus rarely leads to serious illness for the holder but it does cause several pregnancy defects, including microcephaly as well as other severe fetal brain defects.

Outbreaks have been reported in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and it is said to have been seen in more than 50 countries.

A recent rise in the spread of Zika has led to a number of children being born with abnormally small heads.

In February, WHO declared the Zika virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

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