The World Health Organization calls for a special meeting to discuss the Zika virus outbreak.
The Zika virus originated in Uganda, but has now been reported in South American countries. The virus is spread to people through mosquito bites and it's said to be dangerous for pregnant women due to its link to a birth defect in babies.
The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting Monday to discuss what health officials worldwide should do about the Zika virus. The WHO called the outbreak a 'public health emergency' -- this is just the fourth time the organization has issued the alert. The World Health Organization was created by the United Nations to monitor and step in during outbreaks, like we're seeing now with the Zika virus... and during the Ebola outbreak in 2014.
Instructional Links
Website Article and Interactive Map: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zika Virus
Website Article: World Health Organization, Zika Virus Fact Sheet