WFLA

WHO: Sexual transmission of Zika more common than thought

GENEVA (AP) – The World Health Organization says reports from several countries suggest that sexual transmission of the Zika virus is more common than previously thought.

The word comes just weeks after a 4th pregnant woman tested positive for Zika in Florida and more than nine pregnant woman across the United States.

After a meeting of its emergency committee on Tuesday, the U.N. health agency also said there is increasing evidence that a spike in disturbing birth defects is caused by Zika, which is mostly spread by mosquito bites.

Zika: Separating fact from fiction

Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said “reports and investigations in several countries strongly suggest that sexual transmission of the virus is more common than previously assumed.”

The agency last month said the outbreak in the Americas constitutes a global emergency.DON’T MISS THESE STORIES OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON: