The World Health Organization is calling for further investigation of how Zika may be sexually transmitted.
After a case in Texas appeared to have been passed through sexual contact, WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said, “We certainly understand the concern. This needs to be further investigated to understand the conditions and how often or likely sexual transmission is, and whether or not other body fluids are implicated,” Reuters reports.
The outbreak of the virus, currently spreading through the Americas via mosquitoes, prompted WHO to declare an international public health emergency on Monday.
Next: See All the Places Where the Zika Virus Has Spread
Zika has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly, in which children are born with abnormally small heads, and WHO will soon distribute advice to pregnant women traveling in affected areas.
[Reuters]
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Coco Gauff Is Playing for Herself Now
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com