WHO calls Zika virus 'most likely explanation' for brain abnormalities

Zikavirus infection in pregnancy is "the most likely explanation" behind congenital brainabnormalities in babies including microcephaly, the World HealthOrganization says.

The United Nationshealth agency examined evidence from outbreaks of Zika virus infection to update its previous statement in March.

Thevirus isalso most likely a trigger ofGuillain-Barrsyndrome (GBS).

"Based on observational, cohortand case-control studies there is strong scientific consensusthatZikavirus is a cause of GBS,microcephalyand otherneurological disorders," the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency's panel of experts also recommended moresurveillance and research into diagnostics, vaccines, treatments and mosquitocontrol.

The Zikavirus is spread by mosquitoes and can also be sexually transmitted.

• Zika remains global emergency, virus still spreading, says WHO

On Tuesday, WHO advisedmen and women returning from areas where the Zika virus is actively spreading should practice safer sex or abstinence for 6 months, regardless of whether they are trying to conceive or showing symptoms.

In February, WHO declared that the clusters of cases of microcephaly and neurological disorders occurring in areas with Zika virus transmission an international public health emergency. Last week, it said theoutbreak remains an international health emergency and the virus is continuing to infect new countries, such as inSoutheast Asia.

Zika infections in pregnant women have been shown to causemicrocephaly a severe birth defect in which the head and brainare undersized as well as other brain abnormalities.

Theconnection between Zika and microcephaly first came to lightlast fall in Brazil, which has since confirmed more than 1,800cases of microcephaly.

There have been no reported cases of individuals infected by mosquitoes in Canada.

Travellersare advised toprotect themselves from mosquito bitesat all times.

The vast majority of people infected with Zikahave a mild infectionand about 80 per cent have no symptoms. The symptoms includemild fever, rash and red eyes.