PARIS: Some 600 disease experts from 43 nations will gather in Paris on Monday to pour over scant but increasingly worrisome data emerging about the Zika virus sweeping Latin America and threatening the world.
Scientists and public health specialists will discuss the virus’ links to microcephaly, a disorder that causes severe brain damage in babies, and to adult-onset neurological problems such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which can cause paralysis and death.
They will also review progress in the development of Zika diagnostics and vaccines, according to the Institut Pasteur, which will host the science meeting over Monday and Tuesday.
“It is now clear that the Zika virus can cause serious complications, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current outbreak a public health emergency of international concern,” Institut Pasteur president Christian Brechot told AFP by email.
“It is therefore urgent to bring together key global players in research and health.”
Despite a flurry of research, very little is known about Zika — how long it may hide out in the human body, the full list of diseases it may cause, and which mosquito species can transmit it. Earlier this month, US health authorities confirmed the virus causes microcephaly, a long-suspected link.
And they said the virus was “scarier” than previously thought.”We continue to be learning (about the virus) pretty much every day. And most of what we’re learning is not reassuring,” said Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
