MANILA - The Philippines on Monday reported its first known case of a pregnant woman infected with the Zika virus that threatens unborn babies, as authorities warned people to avoid mosquitos. She will be monitored regularly during the entire period of the pregnancy," the health department said. Zika-infected pregnant women can give birth to babies with microcephaly, a deformation marked by abnormally small brains and heads. Of the country's 12 Zika cases, eight were female and ranged in age from 9 to 55, the department said. Scientists warned this month that the world should prepare for a "global epidemic" of microcephaly due to Zika as there is no cure or vaccine for the disease.

Source: Bangkok Post September 26, 2016 07:41 UTC