Zika virus is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (the main vector that transmits the viruses that cause dengue).
This emerging mosquito-borne virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are:
mild fever
skin rash (exanthema)
joint pain
conjunctivitis (red eyes)
These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
The vast majority had nothing to worry about, at worst getting a rash and flu-like symptoms. But recently, scientists have realized that Zika may pose a unique threat to pregnant women.
According to Vox.com, those infected with Zika during pregnancy appear to be able to transmit the virus to their fetuses. In some cases, this may lead to microcephaly, a terrible congenital condition that's associated with a small head and incomplete brain development. Babies born with microcephaly have a limited life expectancy and poor brain function.
CDC recommends pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease (Zika). Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people.
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