Brazil: Party goes on for carnival despite threat of Zika virus

Millions of people across Brazil have joined the first day of the annual carnival festivities despite concerns about the outbreak of the Zika virus.

bbc.com reported in Recife, the city most affected by the mosquito-borne disease, more than one million people in colourful costumes have been partying.

In Rio de Janeiro, huge crowds of revellers have filled the city centre to celebrate.

The virus has been linked to a surge of brain malformations in newborn babies.

The health ministry and local authorities have been handing out leaflets alerting residents and tourists to the risks of Zika. Read Article