Obama calls for tests, vaccines, and treatments as Zika virus spreads rapidly

President Obama urges preventative action.

(Image credit: iStock)

published 27 January 2016

President Obama called Tuesday for the rapid development of tests, vaccines, and treatments to fight the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness quickly spreading through the Americas that is predicted to reach the U.S. There's currently no treatment or preventative vaccine for the virus, which has already been linked to brain damage in thousands of babies in Brazil.

Airlines are also making an effort to slow the spread of Zika virus by offering refunds to customers — particularly pregnant women — who have booked flights to affected countries in central and South America. The virus has spread to an estimated 25 countries so far.