Delaying pregnancy option for women in Zika areas: WHO

WHO spokeswoman Nyka Alexander said that men and women who live in outbreak areas should be given information about the risks of Zika and told that delaying pregnancy is an option.

Written by: Wires English

Published: June 10, 2016, 7:05 AM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/world/delaying-pregnancy-option-for-women-in-zika-areas-who-1248896/ Copy

Washington, Jun 10:  The World Health Organization says women who live in areas where Zika is spreading should consider delaying pregnancy, since there’s no other sure way to avoid the virus’ devastating birth defects. The WHO stops short of advising couples to put pregnancy on hold, as some countries battling the outbreak have. ALSO READ: WHO to weigh Rio Olympics impact on Zika spread

Instead, WHO spokeswoman Nyka Alexander said yesterday that men and women who live in outbreak areas should be given information about the risks of Zika and told that delaying pregnancy is an option. Zika is rapidly spreading through Latin American and the Caribbean. Health officials have long advised pregnant women not to travel to Zika-affected areas, and say returning travelers should use contraception or avoid sex for certain time periods if they were exposed or infected.