Hundreds of cases of the virus have been reported in Singapore
while two cases of Zika-linked microcephaly have already been confirmed in
Thailand..
The mosquito-borne virus has been detected in 70 countries
worldwide, at least 19 in the Asia Pacific region.
WHO director Margaret Chan said experts were still looking for
ways to deal with the virus.
In a report released on Monday at its annual meeting in Manila,
the WHO said it is "highly likely that the region will continue to report
new cases and possibly new outbreaks of Zika".
This is because the carrier of the disease - the Aedes mosquito
- is widely found in the region, which also sees a high volume of travel.
There is also still uncertainty about the level of immunity in
the regional population, the report added.
"Unfortunately, scientists do not yet have answers to many
critical questions [about Zika]," Ms Chan said at the meeting.
Though the virus is known to have existed in Asia for decades,
she noted that the first sign of its presence in some countries came from
travellers whose Zika infections were only confirmed once they returned home.
"Is this weak surveillance, an indication of
population-wide immunity, or proof that the virus has somehow acquired greater
epidemic potential?" she asked.
Zika generally has mild effects but is more dangerous for
pregnant women as it has been linked to severe birth defects, including the
brain deformation microcephaly.
Travellers to these affected Asian countries be warned.
Source: bbc.com/
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