Brazilian strain of Zika virus confirmed in Africa, says WHO

Type of virus blamed for South American birth abnormalities found in Cape Verde, which has had three cases of microcephaly

Tests show an outbreak of Zika virus on the African island chain of Cape Verde is of the same strain as the one blamed for birth abnormalities in Brazil, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday.

"The findings are of concern because it is further proof that the outbreak is spreading beyond South America and is on the doorstep of Africa," said WHO's Africa director, Matshidiso Moeti.