N. Korea Takes Measures to Counter Zika Spread

Tokyo (PNA/Sputnik) — North Korea is taking measures to combat the spread of the Zika virus in the Kaesong city on the border with South Korea, after Seoul confirmed several contamination cases, state Arirang-Meari news portal reported on Monday.

The authorities are ensuring that the local medical personnel is instructed on the dangers of the virus. Kaesong residents were obliged to join efforts to eliminate possible sources of mosquitoes, as the insects may transmit the infection, the media reported.

At present, there is no available vaccine against the Zika virus. The virus has been linked to instances of severe brain damage and underdevelopment in newborns, known as microcephaly.

The current outbreak of the Zika virus originated in Brazil last year and soon spread across Latin America. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, since 2015 the virus has been detected in 60 countries.

South Korea registered its first Zika case in March. (PNA/Sputnik) BNB/SSC