The Zika virus outbreak is no longer an international health emergency but it needs ongoing, "intense action," the World Health Organization says. It was declared an emergency nine months ago. The emergency committee "felt that Zika virus and associated consequences remain a significant enduring public health challenge requiring intense action," WHO said in a statement on Friday. Nearly 30 countries have reported birth defects linked to Zika. Dr. David Heymann, chair of the Zika Emergency Committee, said the Brazilian government is conducting studies to look into the number of cases there, particularly in the northeastern part of the country.

Source: CBC News November 18, 2016 20:17 UTC