Zika virus reaches Africa ‘for first time’

The Zika virus blamed for neurological disorders and birth abnormalities in Brazil has been confirmed to be circulating in Africa for the first.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday said this is confirmed after sequenced from a sample from Cape Verde.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa Director, said the findings are of concern because it is further proof that the outbreak is spreading beyond South America and is on the doorstep of Africa.

She said the information would help African countries to re-evaluate their level of risk and adapt and increase their levels of preparedness.

Moeti said she would not recommend strict travel restrictions to try to stop the spread of the disease.

(Reuters/NAN)