The Zika virus is the most recent mosquito-transmitted infection that poses serious risks to people throughout the Americas, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Here are seven things to know about the virus.
1. So far, the virus has been reported in 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
2. The World Health Organization predicts the Zika virus could have affected four million people cross the Americas this year.
3. Experts are very concerned about the association between Zika virus and microcephaly, a birth defect of the new born brain. Due to the link, the Minister of Health of El Salvador has advised delaying pregnancy until 2018.
4. The call to delay pregnancies may not be feasible in some countries as many women have limited access to contraceptives and other reproductive health services, experience high rates of sexual violence as well as experience other reproductive health decision-making obstacles that may result in unintended pregnancies.
5. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus, and microcephaly is a lifelong condition without a cure or treatment.
6. Additionally, many of the countries plagued by Zika virus have abortion laws, with nine of the countries having the most restrictive or highly restrictive abortion laws in the world.
7. The United States can help fight the virus by sharing public health expertise and diplomatic leverage to support the WHO and other UN organizations to make sure women and girls are protected.
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