LONDON — The Zika virus is likely to spread across nearly all of North and South America, the World Health Organization warned.
According to the BBC, the virus has already been found in 21 countries in the Caribbean, North and South America.
Symptoms include mild fever, conjunctivitis and headache, but can even lead to underdeveloped brains in newborns, which has prompted some governments to urge women not to get pregnant in areas where the virus is spreading rapidly.
In 80% of cases, no symptoms were ever reported.
The virus was first discovered in Uganda back in 1947.
Scientists initially discovered the virus in monkeys, but then it began spreading thanks to the mosquito.
In May 2015, the virus was discovered in Brazil and has since made its way to America.
In Brazil alone, there have been 3,500 reported cases of newborns having small brains since October.
No treatment or vaccine is available at this time.
The Pan American Health Organization, a branch of WHO, said they anticipate the Zika virus to continue to spread in areas where the Aedes mosquito is found.
This is the same mosquito that spreads dengue fever and chikungunya.
The organization recommended getting rid of containers that could possibly hold standing water, wear insect repellent, cover up, and keep windows and doors closed to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside your home.
In addition, the CDC recommended women postpone travel to several countries including Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Martin, Suriname, Samoa, Venezuela and Puerto Rico, reported CNN.
In the United States, there have been confirmed cases among people who have traveled abroad in Illinois, Florida and Texas, among others.
However, CNN pointed out so far the virus has not been transmitted locally.
