Brazilian President declares war on mosquitoes spreading ZikaFebruary 4, 2016 - 16:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has declared war on mosquitoes responsible for spreading the Zika virus in a recorded TV message to the nation. She said a national mobilization day would be held on Saturday, Feb 6, during which thousands of soldiers and state employees would work to eradicate the insects in homes and offices. Rousseff said most mosquitoes breed in or near people's homes. Zika has been linked to babies being born with underdeveloped brains. It is spreading through the Americas and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the microcephaly disease linked to the virus a global public health emergency. In her address, Rousseff said that substantial federal resources were being released to fight Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, because it was a fight that "cannot be lost". "All of us need to take part in this battle," she said. "We need help and good will from everyone. Collaborate, mobilize your family and your community. I will insist, since science has not yet developed a vaccine against the Zika virus, that the only efficient method we have to prevent this illness is the vigorous battle against the mosquito." The President also said that she wanted especially to send a "comforting message" to mothers and future mothers. "We will do everything, absolutely everything in our reach to protect you. We will do everything, absolutely everything we can to offer support to the children affected by microcephaly and their families." In a separate development, UN and U.S. health officials have accused Brazil of not sharing enough samples and data to determine whether the virus is responsible for the increase in the number of babies born with abnormally small heads. They said the lack of information is hampering efforts to provide diagnostic tests, drugs and vaccines. Laboratories in the U.S. and Europe say they need samples from previous outbreaks if they are to carry out effective research on the evolution of the virus. A major obstacle is Brazilian law because it is technically illegal for Brazilian researchers and institutes to distribute genetic material, including blood samples containing Zika and other viruses. European countries were warned that they too needed to make preparations once the Aedes mosquitoes become active on the continent during the spring and summer months. Photo: Sticotimes Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |