Tata Motors is considering renaming its new "Zica" hatchback, following the outbreak of the homophonic Zika virus. The Indian automotive company said that it is “evaluating the whole situation”, but no decision has been taken yet, reported AFP. Tata has already been promoting the car with a marketing campaign starring Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi.

The World Health Organisation on Monday declared the virus outbreak as an international public health emergency. It said the virus was “strongly suspected” to be linked to a large number of babies born with abnormally small heads, a condition known as microcephaly. Brazil, which has registered nearly 4,000 cases of babies suffering from microcephaly, even warned pregnant women to stay away from the Rio Olympics, which begin in August.