WHO Urges Stronger Action Against Zika As Thailand Reports Cases of Linked Microcephaly; Thailand Weighs Testing Pregnant Women

Reuters: Thailand considers Zika tests for all pregnant women
“Thailand is considering testing all pregnant women for Zika, the health ministry said on Monday, following confirmation last week of its first known cases of microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size, linked to the Zika virus…” (Lefevre/Thepgumpanat, 10/3).

Reuters: Thailand reports first two cases of Zika birth defects
“Thailand has reported the first confirmed cases in South-East Asia of microcephaly linked to mosquito-borne Zika, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to urge action against the virus across the region. The confirmation of two case[s] of microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size, came a day after U.S. health officials recommended that pregnant women postpone non-essential travel to 11 South-East Asian countries because of the risk of Zika…” (9/30).

U.N. News Centre: U.N. health agency calls for stronger measures against Zika as Thailand confirms disease-related cases
“The United Nations health agency [Friday] urged countries across the South-East Asia region to continue to take decisive action to prevent, detect, and respond to Zika virus, following news that Thailand has confirmed two cases of Zika-related microcephaly…” (9/30).

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