World Bank: zika millionaire will impact on America – El Universal (Venezuela)

  THE UNIVERSAL
 

Thursday February 18, 2016 10:58 PM

Washington .- the rapid spread of the Zika virus in Latin America and the Caribbean may have an impact of around 3,500 million dollars this year and could even increase if quick strategies to combat the disease are not applied, warned the World Bank (WB).

According to the entity, the estimated initial impact in the region represent a “modest “0.06 percent of gross domestic product of the nations of the continent, DPA reported.

However, in some countries the figure could rise to more than 1 percent, particularly in parts of the Caribbean that depend heavily on tourism, said the bank based in Washington.

“Our analysis highlights the importance of taking urgent action to stop the spread Zika virus and protect the health and welfare of people in affected countries, “said WB director Jim Yong, a public health specialist and medical doctor.

the World Bank warned that the calculation was made based on a “well coordinated and rapid international response” against zika.

the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the global health emergency following the spread of the virus especially in the Americas, and is being investigated a possible causal relationship between zika and microcephaly in fetuses.

The World Bank noted that while the symptoms in other patients are often lower, if the virus, still poorly understood, were to generate other higher risk costs could shoot.

the international organization will provide 150 million dollars to help fight the disease in Latin America and the Caribbean.

the funds include financing teams of technical specialists who will be sent to affected regions. Public health campaigns and control vector (Aedes aegypti), monitoring of patients and pregnant and promotion of family planning is also support.