A virus that could result in devastating birth defects has now spread to at least 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a branch of the World Health Organization.

The Zika virus is spread by mosquitos.  Its most common symptoms are a mild fever and skin rash accompanied by joint or muscle pain.  It’s not thought to be fatal, but health experts becoming increasingly concerned about how the virus could affect unborn babies.

Veronica Reeves spoke with Dr Marcos Espinal from the Pan American Health Organization and asked him why determining if someone is sick with Zika is so challenging.

Duration: 2’52”