The Zika virus has started to spread throughout the world, bringing much concern, especially in the wake of the 2016 Olympic games. The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency, according to the New York Times. The Zika virus has recently been linked with the birth defects of microcephaly, emerging notably in Brazil on several occasions. Microcephaly is a disease that prompts children to have unusually small heads, engendering problems such as developmental delay, intellectual deficit, and hearing loss. Unfortunately, there is no treatment or cure for microcephaly, worsening the threat of the Zika virus.

Although the virus is mainly transmitted through mosquitos, it is possible that it can be sexually transmitted. Only three cases support the possibility of sexual transmission of the Zika virus. Nevertheless, health officials are advising men who have returned from an infected area, or who may carry the virus, to wear a condom.

The virus’ outbreak is Brazil, but most of Central, North and South American countries also currently have cases of the virus. The general population of the Western Hemisphere do not have an immunity towards the virus, unlike that of Africa. The virus originated in 1947 in Uganda, but it was only recently, or specifically May of 2015, that it began to spread in the West, according to the New York Times. The Zika virus is rapidly infecting the Western Hemisphere, as it has not yet developed immunity.

How do you know if you have the virus or not? The Zika Virus’ symptoms are relatively mild, causing in only one out of five people fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes, according to the New York Times. Thus, those who are infected usually do not have to be hospitalized.