The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes and has been associated with thousands of cases, mostly in Brazil, of a severe birth defect called microcephaly. Babies with microcephaly have abnormally small heads, and most grow-up with stunted brain development, according to the CDC.
Currently, there is no vaccine available, the best form of prevention is using protection against mosquito bites. Zika can also be transmitted sexually, so safe sex should be practiced in areas that Zika is prevalent in. And whilst there is currently no specific treatment available there are other interventions that can be utilised to help combat the disease.
Zika generally doesn’t cause serious illness in adults. People usually display symptoms such as mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headaches for up to a week. These general and relatively mild symptoms mean that many do not visit a doctor, and therefore do not receive a diagnosis. Increased diagnosis of the virus is crucial to fully determine its spread.