US President Barack Obama has called for urgent action against the Zika virus, which has already been found in 21 countries in the Caribbean, North and South America, and which has been linked to babies being born with underdeveloped brains.
He said research to develop vaccines and treatments must be speeded up.
According to BBC News, President Obama was briefed on the potential spread of the virus by senior officials yesterday, with one recent study suggesting that the virus may affect regions where 60% of the US population lives.
Mr. Obama’s spokesman said it was imperative for all Americans to have information about the virus and measures they can take to protect themselves.
Medics are most worried about the damage the virus, which is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, can potentially cause to babies in the womb.
