Zika Virus News: Women In Affected Regions Allowed To Breastfeed, According To WHO

The WHO recently said there is no proof the Zika virus spreads to children through breastfeeding and suggests women in affected regions to continue feeding their babies with this milk. "The benefits of breastfeeding for the infant and mother outweigh any potential risk of Zika virus transmission through breast milk," the organization added,"recommendations remain valid, in particular exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life."

The mosquito-borne disease became a global health crisis following an increase of microcephaly cases in Brazil and a rare paralysis condition named the Guillain-Barre syndrome; there is currently no cure or vaccine against the infection."Things could get worse before it gets better," WHO chief Margaret Chan says, "we are dealing with a tricky virus, full of uncertainties, so we should be prepared for surprises," sharing that is a "bigger menace" than any other recent major health scare presenting a “formidable” challenge that will be hard to stamp out.