Zika virus off coast of Africa came from Americas, UN says
DAKAR, Senegal — The Zika virus that is believed to have infected more than 7,500 people in an island nation off the western coast of Africa is the same strain spreading through the Americas, the World Health Organization said Friday.
Most infected people suffer no symptoms, but authorities in Brazil have seen a dramatic increase in severe brain-related birth defects in babies born to women infected with Zika during pregnancy.
After studying evidence, health officials this year concluded Zika causes such birth defects.
WHO said Friday that health officials in the region should start warning pregnant women to take precautions against mosquito bites.