WHO: Sexual transmission of Zika more common than thought
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A health technician works on blood samples from patients who could possibly be infected with Zika in Caracas, February 3, 2016. REUTERS/Marco Bello - RTX25CBB
The World Health Organization says reports from several countries suggest that sexual transmission of the Zika virus is more common than previously thought.
After a meeting of its emergency committee on Tuesday, the U.N. health agency also said there is increasing evidence that a spike in disturbing birth defects is caused by Zika, which is mostly spread by mosquito bites.
Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said "reports and investigations in several countries strongly suggest that sexual transmission of the virus is more common than previously assumed."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The agency last month said the outbreak in the Americas constitutes a global emergency.