Can the Zika Virus Help You Lose Weight?

Declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization, the Zika virus has been linked to birth defects and other debilitating health problems. But could it also help you lose weight?

"In addition to microcephaly in babies and an auto-immune syndrome similar to multiple sclerosis in adults, Zika can also cause fever, rash, severe headache, joint pain and weight loss," one doctor reported.

The news that Zika can help its hosts trim down for swimsuit season has triggered a surge of tourism to areas where the virus has reached pandemic levels, such as Brazil and much of the Caribbean.

"I've tried dieting, yoga, everything, but I have a bit of a sweet tooth and a joint condition, so I'm gonna head down to Puerto Rico with a laptop full of my favorite shows and give this zucchini virus a shot," one woman said.

Some who have already lost weight with Zika have offered some tips on successfully contracting the dangerous virus.

"Try checking out the mosquito bite prevention page on the CDC's website and just do the opposite," one victim suggested. "Like be sure to avoid wearing bug repellant and pants, and stay outside as much as possible. I slept in a porch hammock in my underwear."