More Zika cases reported in US

The number of cases of the Zika virus in the United States has increased to 20.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all of the patients traveled to Brazil or other affected countries.

The CDC says the disease has not spread beyond those travelers.

The Arkansas Department of Health on Tuesday confirmed that a resident had tested positive for the virus; another case was confirmed in Virginia.

The CDC has added the US Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic to its Zika virus travel alerts.

Airlines 

American Airlines and United Airlines have announced that they will allow some customers to cancel or postpone their trips if they are scheduled to fly to areas affected by the Zika virus.

United says its policy will include any areas listed in the CDC's alert, while American's policy so far includes flights to four destinations in Central America.

Charles Hobart, United's spokesman, says the airline is offering customers who are traveling to the affected regions the opportunity to re-book at a later date, or receive a full refund.

Russia to develop vaccine against Zika

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his Health Ministry to develop a vaccine against the Zika virus and to increase cooperation with transport companies and air carriers to prevent its distribution around the globe.

In that regard, he highlighted the fact that the virus has already appeared in Europe.

Russia’s Health Minister sought to assure the Head of State that the situation regarding the Zika virus has been kept under scrutiny since the start of the current outbreak.