Brazil ends Zika virus public health emergency

Brazil has declared an end to its public health emergency over the Zika virus, 18 months after a surge in cases drew headlines around the world.

The mosquito-borne virus was not considered a major health threat until the 2015 outbreak revealed that Zika can lead to severe birth defects. One of those defects, microcephaly, causes babies to be born with skulls much smaller than expected.

However, doctors have warned that victims of the disease must not be forgotten.

“The end of the emergency doesn't mean the end of surveillance or assistance” to affected families, Adeilson Cavalcante, the secretary for surveillance at Brazil's health ministry, said.

“The health ministry and other organisations involved in this area will maintain a policy of fighting Zika, dengue and chikungunya.” 

All three diseases are carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which Brazil has been battling to eradicate to stop the spread of Zika. 

From January through to mid-April, the health ministry recorded 95% fewer cases than during the same period last year, with the incidence of microcephaly also falling.

The World Health Organization (WHO) lifted its own international emergency in November, even while saying the virus remained a threat. WHO warned that Zika is “here to stay,” even when cases of it fall off, and that fighting the disease will be an ongoing battle.

The outbreak came just as Brazil, was preparing to host the 2016 Olympics, fuelling concerns the Games could help spread the virus. 

At least one athlete, a Spanish wind surfer, said she contracted Zika during training in the country.

Travel warnings issued by governments to cancel trips to affected countries, while revelations Zika could be sexually transmitted heightened concern.