Did Calling Zika a Public Health Emergency Jump the Gun?

An illustration of the Zika Virus, which symptoms include mild headaches, maculopapular rash, fever, malaise, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia. Aunt_Spray/iStock

Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), has declared Zika virus “a public health emergency of international concern,” saying the the 2016 outbreak is an “extraordinary event” and a public health threat to the world.

For decades the virus, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, affected mostly monkeys in equatorial Africa and Asia. In humans, Zika occasionally caused a mild, flu-like illness.

I'm concerned, but prepared to be alarmed. I'm prepared to be alarmed when there's new data.

— Donald Thea