Brazil has recently announced it will rely on government intervention help stop the spread of the Zika virus.
The virus, which is being transmitted by mosquitoes in the region and is causing severe birth defects (such as underdeveloped brains in babies) has become such a crisis in the region the South American country has asked women to stop getting pregnant until they can contain it.
Following such a desperate plea, Brazil plans to deploy some 220,000 soldiers to fight the virus.
While there’s currently no treatment or vaccine available for the virus, the Brazilian soldiers will go from home to home, handing out leaflets on how to avoid the spread of Zika and also attempt to eradicate breeding grounds for the mosquitoes.
The World Health organization says the virus has already spread to 21 other countries in North and South America and the Caribbean. Symptoms range from mild fever, conjunctivitis and headache.
Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Castro says eradicating the disease is the country’s top priority.
