WHO, the world health organization, announced today that they are considering the Zika Virus situation a public health emergency of international concern. Scientists have analyzed data such as geographical locations of the outbreaks, species of mosquitoes carrying the virus, and such, and have decided that the threat level to many parts of the Americas has become very serious. WHO says a internationally coordinated relief effort will be organized as soon as possible in order to try and get the situation back under control as soon as possible. Right now, those at highest risk are pregnant women because the virus can cause serious birth defects. But there is no cure; the only thing to be done is to try and lower mosquito populations and guard people against mosquito bites.
My heart breaks for the people having to go through this right now, especially new mothers who have children who have been affected by the virus. But it is wonderful there is a national health organization who are stepping in swiftly to offer aid. An international effort like this is made possible by things like the UN, which evolved from the League of Nations. The League of Nations was created after World War I and it started out being mainly a peace coalition, so it's cool to see it also offering medical relief.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=53141#.VrFR7fkrLIU
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