世界卫生组织警告，寨卡病毒很可能会扩散到全美洲。到目前为止该病毒感染已扩及加勒比、北美和南美地区的 21 个国家。其中巴西出现的病例最多。今年夏天的奥林匹克运动会就将在巴西举行。以下是 BBC Wyre Davies 从巴西发来的报道：

Since first being detected in Brazil less than a year ago, the Zika virus has spread like wildfire and has now been reported across Latin America.

The virus usually only results in a mild rash and fever, but it's also been linked to a surge in microcephaly – a condition where babies are born with abnormally small heads.

Although the epicentre of the outbreak is in Northern Brazil, there've also been several cases of Zika in Rio de Janeiro. Olympic officials here say that in the run-up to this year's games they will inspect and if necessary fumigate areas where mosquitoes that transmit the disease might breed.

Some countries including the United States have advised pregnant women not to travel to Zika-infected areas, including parts of Brazil. With concerns about the impact on athletes and spectators coming to Rio for the Games, the British Olympic Association told the BBC they've been liaising with the London School of Tropical Medicine and will be monitoring the situation closely.

词汇表

spread like wildfire 象野火般迅速蔓延
rash 热疹
fever 高烧
abnormally 不正常地，异常地
outbreak 爆发
in the run-up to 前夕，拉开…序幕前
fumigate 烟熏
breed 繁殖
liaising 与… 保持联络

测验

请听报道并回答下列问题。

1. How does the Zika virus affect babies?

2. Where are authorities in Brazil going to deliver insect-killing drugs?

3. What should women expecting babies do, according to the US authorities? 

4. Which institution is following the outbreak in order to advise British sportsmen and women?

答案

1. How does the Zika virus affect babies?
They are born with abnormally small heads – a condition called microcephaly.

2. Where are authorities in Brazil going to deliver insect-killing drugs?
Olympic officials said there will be fumigation of areas where mosquitoes which transmit the disease breed.

3. What should women expecting babies do, according to the US authorities? 
They are advised to avoid travelling to Zika-infected areas, including parts of Brazil.

4. Which institution is following the outbreak in order to advise British sportsmen and women?
The British Olympic Association.