After a massive outbreak of the Zika virus started in South America last year, scientists began looking into the risks that the mosquito-borne virus may pose for humans. The virus has already been linked to microcephaly, which causes newborns’ brain to stop growing to a normal size.

Just last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus to be a global health emergency. In 2014, there were less than 150 cases of microcephaly in Brazil, while since October 22, 2015, there have been already more than 4,700 cases of this defect.

The symptoms of the Zika virus include: fever, sore eyes, headaches, joint pain, rashes.

According to studies, the Zika virus may also be spread through sexual intercourse and maybe even other bodily fluids such as saliva and urine. As of today, there are seven facts that you must learn if you’re a pregnant woman.

Do NOT travel to countries affected by the deadly virus, as there is no vaccine or drug that would treat the Zika virus. The only way pregnant women can steer clear of trouble is to stay away from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.

If you’re a pregnant woman and you’ve recently been to Central and South America or the Caribbean, get tested as soon as possible. And it doesn’t matter if you don’t have symptoms. After the medical check-up, do ultrasound checks.

Zika is out of the body in about 10 days. That means that if you made a trip to the affected countries a long time ago, there is no need for concerns. There have been no studies that would show that the Zika virus affects future pregnancies after it’s out of the system.

The virus is spread by only certain types of mosquitoes – the Aedes aegypti.

Even if you’re a pregnant woman, it’s safe to use an insect repellent.

The Zika virus is rarely transmitted through sexual intercourse, but it’s still possible. If you’re a pregnant woman, it’s crucial that you practice safe sex during the current Zika outbreak.