WHO Advises Pregnant Women To Avoid Zika-affected Areas

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The WHO advised pregnant women not to travel to areas with ongoing outbreaks of Zika virus due to the potential risk of birth defects.

Sexual transmission is "relatively common" and health services in Zika-affected areas should be ready for potential increases in cases of neurological syndromes such as microcephaly and congenital malformations, the World Health Organisation said.

"Pregnant women whose sexual partners live in or travel to areas with Zika virus outbreaks should ensure safe sexual practices or abstain from sex for the duration of their pregnancy," the WHO said in a statement, based on advice from its Emergency Committee of independent experts.

Previously the UN agency had advised pregnant women to consider deferring non-essential travel to areas with ongoing transmission of the mosquito-borne virus, which is spreading through Latin America, including Olympics host Brazil. FULL STORY