Zika Virus Spreads To Europe As Cases Reported In Germany

Yesterday we brought you the news that the mosquito-borne Zika virus is spreading faster than expected, and it has now been confirmed it has arrived in Europe. It has been reported by The Independent that several people in Germany had tested positive for the virus, as well as cases confirmed in Denmark and Britain. The German individuals had returned from Haiti to Germany in late December last year. While the virus is not immediately dangerous for most people, it has been linked with an increase in the birth defect microcephaly which causes infants to be born with much smaller heads than normal. As of yet, there is no known vaccine for the virus and most people with the disease experience flu-like symptoms with many other people experiencing no ill-effects. Many people have expressed concern about the 2016 Olympics which are due to begin in Rio de Janeiro this summer, maintaining it could be a huge risk to public health. BBC report that the Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Castro said the country was 'losing badly' in the fight against the virus. Lead Image via BBC News