WHO: Zika virus spreading 'explosively,' could affect up to 4 million people

WHO says Zika virus is spreading rapidly.
(Image credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images))

The World Health Organization said Thursday that the mosquito-borne Zika virus is spreading so "explosively" that immediate action is necessary. WHO estimates that the virus, which has already been linked to thousands of birth defects in Brazil, could affect up to four million people in the Americas.

"We are not going to wait for the science to tell us there is a link [with birth defects]," WHO General-Director Margaret Chan said. "We need to take actions now."

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