The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its guidelines on prevention of the Zika virus in recognition of evidence that the disease persists in the body and can be transmitted sexually for much longer than originally thought.

WHO is now recommending that women who travel to an area of the world affected by the disease, which has been linked to birth defects in babies born to infected women, should wait at least eight weeks before trying to conceive. By that time, the group estimates, the virus will have cleared the body and no longer present a risk to a future baby.

The recommendation comes after a number of health experts penned a public letter to WHO saying the Olympics planned to be held Rio de Janeiro this summer should be postponed or moved to a new location in response to the disease. Brazil has been hit harder by the disease than any other country.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO, part of your ALM digital membership.

  • Critical BenefitsPRO information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.