The World Health Organization declared Monday the Zika virus and the subsequent birth defect linked to the virus constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Zika virus, which is spread through mosquito bites, has been common in tropical areas and is poised to spread throughout the world as the mosquitoes also spread.
An emergency committee of 18 experts put together by WHO examined the association between Zika virus infections during pregnancy and microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is much smaller than expected, and neurological disorders. The committee looked into a cluster of such cases in Brazil and in French Polynesia in recent years.
Because of these clusters, WHO declared an international public health emergency and called for a "coordinated international response" to improve surveillance and detection of infections, better control mosquito populations and speed up test and vaccine development to protect people who are at risk, especially people who are pregnant.
There is currently no vaccine for Zika virus, but some are in the works.
The WHO committee also found "no public health justification" for restricting travel to prevent the spread of Zika. The United States' CDC has recommended pregnant women not travel to effected countries.
More articles about Zika:
CDC confirms 31 travel-associated Zika cases in continental US, AHA publishes hospital readiness advisory
Researchers call for more action from WHO on Zika threat
CDC issues interim guidance on Zika testing for infants