Health

Zika Is No Longer An International Health Emergency

But the World Health Organization says this announcement doesn't mean the virus isn't still a threat.

Zika Is No Longer An International Health Emergency
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Zika is no longer a global health emergency.

The World Health Organization determined the virus is no longer an international concern — but that's not to say the virus is gone.

SEE MORE: Zika's Untold War: Power vs. The People

An official with the WHO said the announcement is "not downgrading the importance of Zika." Instead, Zika is now considered a chronic problem as opposed to an outright international crisis.

The virus was deemed a global heath emergency in February after cases of the disease spiked in the Americas.

Zika still poses a serious risk to pregnant women and babies; the virus has been linked to cases of microcephaly and other neonatal complications.