Hot Topics: Zika Virus: Introduction to Zika Virus

Zika virus is a mosquito borne disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (which also transmit dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever), and its symptoms include headache, muscle and joint pain, mild fever, conjunctivitis, and rash.  The Zika virus is linked to an increase in microcephaly in children which may be caused by exposure during pregnancy, and an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome.  The virus has been found in saliva and other bodily fluids, but scientists are not sure if it can be transmitted through these.  There is no vaccination or cure for the Zika virus, so measures to control or eradicate mosquito populations and bites are the most effective response.

• WHO - Zika Virus Fact Sheet
• CDC - Zika Virus
• CDC - Question and Answers: Zika and Pregnancy
• CDC Zika Travel Recommendations
• CNN: CDC issues new safe-sex guidelines around Zika virus
• CDC: Zika virus in the United States
• CDC: Mosquito bite prevention (United States)
• CDC: Zika virus prevention
• PAHO WHO: Everything you need to know about Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
• CDC: Help Control Mosquitoes
• Researchers reveal virus structure, a critical advance in the development of treatments - Purdue University

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