Zika virus fears grow as 5,000 pregnant women confirmed as having contracted condition

More than 5,000 pregnant women have been infected with the mosquito-borne Zika virus in Colombia, it has been revealed.

The mass confirmation has sent shock waves through Colombia as mothers-to-be fear the worst for their unborn babies.

Health officials in the Latin American country say there were 31,555 cases of the mosquito-borne virus, including 5,013 pregnant women - a massive 57 per cent jump in just two weeks.

Zika is thought to be responsible for a neurological birth defect known as microcephaly where babies are born with mishaped heads and brain damage.

And it can be revealed that more than 11,000 people have been confirmed to have the virus in the last two weeks as fears continue that it could turn into a global epidemic.

It was previously reported the virus - which was first thought to be transmitted solely by mosquitos - is able to be sexually transmitted and through blood donations.

Rosana Vieira Alves bathes her 4-month-old daughter Luana Vieira, who was born with microcephaly

Now Colombian health minister, Alejandro Gaviria, says the country has confirmed that 31,555 people are now affected - making it the second only to Brazil for infections.

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