A fifth case of the Zika virus
has been found in Italy, medical sources said Friday.
The woman, who came from from Venezuela, was treated in
Treviso in December and is now well, like the previous four
cases, they said.
Also on Friday the United Nations said restrictive abortion
laws should be eased in the case of risk of Zika contagion.
Italian airline Alitalia said Thursday it is offering
pregnant women and their fellow travelers who have purchased
flights to countries affected by the Zika virus the possibility
of changing their dates with no penalty or a total refund.
Destinations where the Zika virus has been found include
Brazil and and other Caribbean and Latin American countries.
The Zika virus has been linked to birth defects and
neurological problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on February 1 declared
it an international public health emergency.
WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan also noted a
possible relationship between Zika infection and Guillain-Barre
syndrome, which can cause temporary paralysis
Authorities in Italy have stopped blood donations from
people who have travelled in affected countries.
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