WHO: Zika virus expected to spread to majority of Americas
The mosquito-borne Zika virus, which is thought to cause defects in newborn babies is expected to spread to all countries in the Americas except for Canada and Chile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
The virus has been linked with rising cases of microcephaly, a neurological disorder in which infants are born with smaller craniums and brains.
Brazil has the highest number of reported cases, followed by Colombia, prompting health officials in both counties as well as El Salvador to warn women to avoid becoming pregnant for two years.
The WHO said any women planning to travel to areas where Zika iscirculating should consult a healthcare provider beforetravelling and on return.
Could the virus be sexually transmitted?
The WHO also said the virus can be transmitted though blood,and has also been isolated in human semen, but more evidence isneeded to confirm if it can be sexually transmitted.
Three Britons have been infected with the virus after travelling to South and Central America, and Public Health England has confirmed.