In Colombia, more than 11 600 people are infected with the virus zika. Among them are 459 pregnant women.
The infection can be dangerous to their unborn children because it can cause birth defects. There are no vaccines or drugs against the virus.
In Brazil, where since last year, many infections, 3500 babies were born with immature brains. That can lead to intellectual disability or early death.
The virus, which is transmitted by mosquito bites, is for adult non-threatening. Symptoms such as fever and rash often after a week gone.
The US Public Health Institute CDC advises pregnant women not to go to areas where they can catch the virus. The Dutch RIVM advises pregnant women who go to South America or the Caribbean to wear covering clothing and to smear themselves with DEET, a powerful insect repellent.
Vaccine
The Brazilian government has ordered to develop a vaccine. According to the Minister of Health should be done in "record time". However, the director of the research institute that will work on the vaccine think that the development will take three to five years.
NOS.nl/ © AP
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