The Zika virus has been downgraded from a global health emergency, the World Health Organization said but significant long term challenges remain to contain the spread of the disease in many regions.
WHO says experts have a better understanding of the virus and it can now be managed like other ‘important infectious diseases.’
"The emergency committee felt the Zika virus and associated complications remain a significant and an enduring public health challenge but it no longer represents a public health emergency of international concern," said Dr. David Heymann, chairman of WHO’s Zika Emergency Committee.
US Centers for Disease Control said its advisory that pregnant women should not travel to infected areas remains in place as the number of confirmed cases in Florida continues to rise.
The WHO announcement won’t affect the current work health officials in Florida are doing.
"Our state continues to see increases in both travel-related and locally acquired cases of Zika and is devoting every available resource to combat this virus and protect our residents and visitors, especially pregnant women and their developing babies," said Mara Gambineri, communications director for the Florida department of health.
"Everyone, especially pregnant women, still needs to take Zika seriously and remain vigilant."
The Florida Keys last week approved a trial release of genetically modified mosquitoes.
It is hoped the trial will significantly reduce the population of Zika carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
