Venezuela 'under-reporting Zika cases'-Reports


As the Zika virus continues to spread across South America, countries like Brazil and Colombia have been giving regular updates on the number of people affected.

However, in Venezuela, some doctors say there has been a drastic under-reporting of cases.

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. 

It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

Key facts

• Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

• People with Zika virus disease usually have symptoms that can include mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.

• There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

• The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.

• The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.



SOURCE: BBC News/WHO