The World Health Organization has warned that the international health community is not ready to tackle the Zika virus and must find a common response to the public health emergency.
Scientists and experts in public health regulations, research and development gathered in Geneva to assess the progress of vaccine development, diagnosis methods and other preparedness measures.
Much remains unknown about Zika, including whether the virus actually causes microcephaly in babies, a condition defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems.
There is no proven vaccine or treatment for the mosquito-borne virus. Last week, the WHO said that there is accumulating evidence of a link between the virus and microscopically as well as a rare disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome in which the immune system attacks part of the nervous system.
