A Danish woman who was pregnant has suffered a severe case of the Zika virus, resulting in fetal death, according to a press release from the Statens Serum Institut (SSI) on Friday. Reports indicate that the woman likely contracted the virus during a trip to Thailand in the early stages of her pregnancy.

The Zika virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but it can also be transmitted sexually through sperm for several months following infection. There is currently neither a vaccine nor a specific treatment available for the virus. For most individuals, Zika causes little to no symptoms; however, in pregnant women, the infection can lead to serious consequences for the fetus.

The SSI emphasizes the importance of pregnant women taking precautions when traveling to areas where the Zika virus is prevalent. On their website, they recommend that pregnant women protect themselves from mosquito bites and consider postponing non-essential travel to Zika-affected regions to minimize the risk of infection.

Health authorities advise pregnant women who have stayed in areas with Zika virus to contact their doctor or midwife if they experience symptoms of infection either during their travels or within two weeks after returning home. Additionally, men who have traveled to Zika-affected areas and have a pregnant partner are advised to use condoms for the remainder of the pregnancy to reduce the risk of sexual transmission of the virus.