The more we are learn about the Zika virus, the greater the concern. There is no cure for the virus, so containment is the best solution. But the Rio Olympics are less than six months away. Nearly a half million people will travel to Brazil to participate in or watch the Olympics. Then they will return to their countries, and some of them will no doubt be infected with the virus.

Two years ago we saw how unprepared the world was for the Ebola pandemic. The Zika virus is not lethal like Ebola, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that it is a “public health emergency of international concern.”

Those most affected by the virus are the unborn. Pregnant woman infected with the virus are at much greater risk of giving birth to children with microcephaly, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a smaller than average head size. Many countries have advised women not to get pregnant. Pro-abortion advocates have used the threat of the virus to argue for more liberal abortion laws in many countries.

The Zika virus is similar to dengue fever and is spread by mosquitos. Controlling the mosquito population would be an appropriate response to the Zika virus, but many of these countries have banned the insecticide DDT. Currently there is a massive effort to eradicate the breeding grounds for mosquitos.

The problem is massive for Brazil and other countries where the Zika virus is found. Millions of people already host the virus, and it appears to be spreading rapidly. Hundreds of thousands of tourists coming to Brazil for the Olympics will certainly spread it further.

Finding a vaccine to stop Zika may be in the future, though one manufacturer appears to have given up trying. Perhaps there will be a breakthrough, but is doubtful it will come before thousands descend on Rio and unintentionally spread the virus further.