Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Internet
Rio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) - As of August 5, Brazil, the Country hardest hit by the zika virus, will host the Olympic Games despite months of criticism and discussion. Health workers have warned sports delegations, in addition to half a million people who will travel to the Latin American country, that the risk of infection is 15 times higher than that of the dengue virus. According to information sent to Fides, already from the month of June, the presidents and the medical services of the sports federations participated in an information session before leaving for the event.
However, according to estimates of the University of Sao Paulo, more than 16 cases of zika infections will not be recorded, while major attention should be towards dengue, a disease that in recent decades has increased dramatically.
The suggestion of WHO is that pregnant women should avoid travelling to areas where the transmission of the virus is very active and can bring cases of microcephaly in the newborns. Epidemiologists declare that the risk of transmission caused by mosquitos during the Olympic Games will be low because it will be held in what in Brazil corresponds to the winter period. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 06/07/2016)
AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - “Protests over the just demands of healthcare workers must not harm patients,” says Bishop of Mthatha
AFRICA/DR CONGO - Catholic parish and hospital in Birambizo looted: vaccination campaign against measles ruined