(VOVworld) – The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that there is a high risk of the Zika virus spreading through Asia-Pacific.

A medical staff working around Aljunied area, Singapore on August 8 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Hundreds of cases have been reported in Singapore and Thailand, including 2 babies diagnosed with Zika-linked microcephaly. In an annual regional report released Monday in Manila, the WHO said the Zika virus has been detected in 70 countries, including 19 in Asia-Pacific. Li Ailan, WHO director for health security and emergencies, said the Zika virus is likely to spread to the entire region including China, Japan, Australia, most Southeast Asian nations and the Pacific islands.

The WHO’s latest statistics show more than 400 Zika cases detected in Singapore. Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia have also reported infections.