Zika virus map seems to expand gradually. It has infected America and it is now heading to Africa. Approximately 7,500 people in Africa's western coast area have been exposed to Zika symptoms, as announced by the World Health Organization on Friday.
Three babies were reportedly developing Zika microcephaly - a birth defect of smaller brains and skulls - that has infected many babies in Brazil. The Zika outbreak in Africa becomes WHO new concern because the country has a poor infrastructure in terms of healthcare. Before Zika virus, Africa has experienced the largest Ebola outbreak in 2014, according to CDC Ebola fact sheet.
Health expert, Paul Hunter, explains that the likelihood of Zika disease becoming disaster in Africa is high, especially given to the dramatic spread and low quality of health infrastructure.
Zika virus map has proven that the outbreak quickly spreads beyond America. Cape Verde island, a popular travel destination in Africa has more than two hundred cases of Zika virus. The Mirror reported that in Senegal, more than a hundred pregnant women are suspected. WHO regional director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, explains why Zika virus is a huge concern. The spread of the virus to Africa continent means that the level of alarm is extremely high.
Furthermore, WHO suggests health officials to begin warning pregnant women so that they may not be exposed to mosquito bites - which could transmit the Zika virus. The mosquito-borne virus, according to WHO, can also be sexually transmitted so pregnant women should practice safe sex, BBC has learned.
Dr. Anna Checkley, UK researcher, has been analyzing Zika virus claims that the diseases has infected African countries since five decades ago and people might be immune to the virus. And since the Caribbean and Polynesian populations do not have the immunity, they are likely to get infected. WHO suggests the report will help continental Africa to re-evaluate the risk levels, increase the health care and be prepared.
