Zika virus: WHO warns of risk of spread in Europe.

(Baonghean.vn) - Dr. Marie-Paule Kieny, Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Innovation at the World Health Organization (WHO), said on April 26 that warming weather conditions across Europe could cause the Zika virus to spread more rapidly, potentially leading to an outbreak.

The Zika virus poses a risk of outbreaks in Europe this summer. Photo: Getty Images

Kieny told AFP that during the mosquito migration season to Europe, "the potential for local spread combined with the risk of sexual transmission could significantly increase the number of people infected with the Zika virus and other related complications."

"As temperatures begin to rise in Europe, two species of Aedes mosquitoes, capable of transmitting the Zika virus, will begin to breed and multiply," Kieny told AFP.

Currently, 42 countries worldwide have detected their first cases of Zika virus infection since 2015 without prior evidence of mosquito transmission, according to a report published by the WHO on April 25.

Three European countries – France, Italy, and Portugal – are among eight countries worldwide that have reported cases of Zika virus transmission from person to person through sexual contact.

Thanh Hien

(According to ABC News)