Zika virus sparks 'public health emergency'

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern in regards to the rapid spread of the Zika virus in South America. According to CNN, the decision was made due to the geographic spread of the virus, the large number of people within that area who could catch the virus, and the lack of vaccines. There are also concerns about a correlation between Zika and increased instances of infants being born with microcephaly and other neurological conditions, although the link has not been definitively established. In addition to the health concerns, Brazil is worried that the fears about the Zika virus will adversely affect attendance of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, but it remains to be seen what the overall effect will be. In the meantime, the Brazilian government has firmly stated that the only people at risk from the Zika virus are pregnant women, and that it has no long-term affects on other demographic groups.