Further evidence has come to light linking the mosquito-borne Zika virus to the the birth defect known as microcephally, whereby babies are born with unusually small heads.

Researchers in the United States found that the virus kills the type of tissue found in developing brains in unborn babies.

They published their findings in the medical journal Cell Stem Cell.

Zika has been linked to numerous cases of microcephally in South America, particularly in Brazil where the current outbreak seems to have started.

Last month the World Health Organisation declared a global public health emergency and it’s emergency committee is due to meet on Tuesday in Geneva.

Authorities in the US are preparing plans of action to tackle the spread of the virus and the United Nations is reviewing travel advice related to the outbreak.

Euronews