In an attempt to protect the pregnancy related issues caused by Zika, WHO has suggested people living in Zika affected areas to abhor unsafe sex for a while.

Recent studies have shown that people who haven’t shown any signs of ZIKA may infect others via sexual intercourse.

"Based on this new evidence, the recommended length of time for safer sex practices for asymptomatic males returning from areas with active Zika virus transmission was extended from eight weeks to six months," WHO said in a statement.

WHO further added that, "This is the same length of time as is recommended for symptomatic males. This recommendation now also applies to females, whether or not they have had symptoms. The six-month duration of safer sexual practice upon return has not changed."

Studies have also shown that the virus can survive in human sperm for months and also survives in urine, though the transmission through the latter case is highly unlikely.

WHO’s recommendations are also important in view of the major birth defects that can be caused through ZIKA transmission like a rare paralyzing condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome and brain damage.

WHO also said that everyone in Zika-affected areas should have access to counselling and contraception.