WHO Declares Spread Of Zika Virus A Global Health Emergency

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --  The World Health Organization today declared a global health emergency over the explosive spread of the Zika virus, which has been linked to thousands of birth defects.

WHO estimates there could be up to 4 million cases of Zika in the next year, mainly in South and Central America. Also today, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) expanded travel alerts to four additional countries, including Costa Rica; but no recommendations have been made to restrict travel or trade.

Health officials spraying insecticide in the hopes of kill mosquitoes, responsible for the Zika virus sweeping through Latin America and the Caribbean, have become an all too common scene. The virus has been suspected of causing an increase in cases of Microcephaly, children born with unusually small heads, often with brain damage.

So far, more than 4,100 suspected cases of Microcephaly have been reported in Brazil. Pregnant women fear other side effects from the virus will follow.

"The public doesn't know everything about the Zika virus. We don't know exactly the consequences of the virus, only the Microcephalus," said Maria Fernanda, of Laudisio de Lucca.

Tourism in those areas will likely suffer, despite officials downplaying risks to visitors. Rio's famed carnival festival begins February 5th. Health workers there took to the streets, armed with instruments and information. Brazil is also set to host the summer Olympics in August. Some events are already underway, and athletes are taking precaution by using bug spray and staying indoors.

"It's kind of scary, but there's nothing really you can do, like if you get bit, you get bit," said Alyssa Lampe, a U.S. wrestler.

It's only the 4-th time the world health organization has declared a public health emergency. The zika virus now joins the ranks of
H1N1 flu, Ebola, and the resurgence of polio, but experts say it is not expected to spread into the United States in a big or significant way.

There are currently 32 cases in the U.S. and officials say all are travel related.