World Health Organization: Zika Virus 'Spreading Explosively'
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Amid a warning the Zika virus is "spreading explosively," the World Health Organization has planned an emergency meeting to determine whether it should declare an emergency.
The World Health Organization – the public health arm of the United Nations – has scheduled an emergency meeting for next week to decide if an ongoing Zika virus outbreak should be declared an international health emergency.
The mosquito-borne disease has been linked to birth defects and neurological problems, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can cause temporary paralysis.
Chicago architect Stephanie Coad, who is 24 weeks pregnant, and her husband have cancelled their trip to Puerto Rico.
"Sounds like they just don't know a lot about it, and it sounds like the possibilities are very grave," she tells CBS 2's Mike Parker.
Experts have said more research is needed to shore up the possible link between the virus and subsequent birth defects in children born to pregnant women who contracted the disease. However, the Associated Press reports WHO Director-General Margaret Chen has said the virus itself is becoming more of a threat, and "the level of alarm is extremely high."
"The possible links, only recently suspected, have rapidly changed the risk profile of Zika from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions. The increased incidence of microcephaly is particularly alarming, as it places a heart-breaking burden on families and communities," Chan said.
The Zika virus has popped up in Mexico, South America and other warm destinations; and the Centers for Disease Control have said pregnant women are most at risk.
The virus has been causing alarm in Brazil for months, although there has been no definitive link between the virus and a spike in the number of babies being born with microcephaly, an abnormal smallness of the head associated with incomplete brain development.
A special WHO committee will meet Monday to decide whether the spread of the Zika virus is an international public health emergency.
"They will look at a number of criteria to determine that; primarily whether it's an extraordinary event, whether there's risk of international spread, similarly whether there's a need for coordinated international action to actually address this," said Dr. Bruce Aylward, an assistant director at the WHO.
Doctors have said babies born with microcephaly will have limited brain development, and their life expectancy will be shortened. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, and no cure.
"In the face of so much uncertainty around this, clearly one wants to exhibit an abundance of caution with respect to the advice that you're giving to, especially, women who may potentially become pregnant," Aylward said.
Until more is known about a possible link between Zika virus and birth defects in babies of women who were infected while pregnant, the CDC recommended pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Women who are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, and who must travel to those areas should consult their doctor, and take strict measures to avoid mosquito bites on their trip.
So far, the virus has not been found in any mosquitos in the U.S., but two pregnant Illinois women who recently traveled to Central America have contracted the virus, and are undergoing treatment.
The virus does not spread from person to person, but if an infected person were to come to the U.S., and get bitten by a mosquito, that mosquito could spread the virus to other mosquitos here.
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