Zika Viruss now in Africa - WHO

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

Fear of Zika Virus: Australia demand extra condoms

Australia’s Olympians will be issued with free super-strength condoms in Rio to minimise any infection from the Zika virus, officials said.
Brazil has been the epicenter of the outbreak of the
mosquito-borne disease, which is blamed for birth defects in babies born to women infected with the virus.
While condoms will be available in dispensing machines in the Olympic village, Australia is taking no chances providing extra protection by supplying their own extra-strong variety “for peace of mind”.
They have teamed up with manufacturer Starpharma, whichsays its condoms contain a lubricant that protects against sexually-transmitted diseases and has “near-complete anti- viral protection against Zika virus in laboratory studies”.
“The health and well-being of the team comes first,” said the Olympic team’s chef de mission Kitty Chiller. “Our association with Starpharma will provide extra protection for everyone on the team, and is a common sense approach to a very serious problem we are facing in Rio.”
There has been widespread anxiety globally surrounding the threat of Zika, which is rampant in Brazil. As well as causing the birth defect micro cephalic in babies born to women infected with the virus, it has also been linked to the rare but serious neurological disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Last week, the World Health Organisation advised pregnant women not to travel to Rio and urged athletes and visitors to take precautions to avoid infection