Zika Virus

Zika virus is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus, transmitted by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti and A. albopictus

What is the Zika virus?

The Zika virus causes fever, joint pain, headaches, a rash, conjunctivitis and muscle pain. As with other viruses, it is characterised by spreading via the cells of the body. Both men and women can contract the disease. It is a member of the Flavivirus genus which is a member of the Flaviviridae family.

What Can Aedes Mosquitoes Transmit?

Zika Virus in Pregnant Women

Zika treatment

Zika diagnosis

Zika transmission

Zika prevention

Zika Virus Research

Zika and Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Zika Virus History

Zika Virus Symptoms

Zika vaccine development

Latest Zika Virus News and Research

Scientists say global conditions are ripe for a yellow fever pandemic

A new study in npj Viruses warns that global trends like urbanization, travel, and mosquito spread are amplifying the risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) expansion into the Asia-Pacific. Researchers caution that the conditions for a devastating YF pandemic are now more favorable than ever.

27 Apr 2025

Study reveals distinct infection strategies of Zika and dengue viruses

Zika virus and dengue virus are very close relatives. Both are mosquito-borne flaviviruses, and both specialize in infecting a host's dendritic cells.

25 Mar 2025

Oropouche virus: Emerging threats, symptoms, and prevention

Researchers provide an overview of the emerging Oropouche virus.

19 Mar 2025

Travelers warned about Oropouche virus in South American countries

Heading south for the winter? Oropouche virus, a new infectious disease, has been reported in travelers from Canada and the United States who visited Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba.

17 Mar 2025

Zika virus hijacks tunneling mechanism to infect placental cells

Infection with Zika virus in pregnancy can lead to neurological disorders, fetal abnormalities and fetal death. Until now, how the virus manages to cross the placenta, which nurtures the developing fetus and forms a strong barrier against microbes and chemicals that could harm the fetus, has not been clear.

22 Feb 2025

The growing list of human viruses: Are we prepared for the next outbreak?

Researchers review the ever-growing list of human viruses, examining their diversity, transmission pathways, and the urgent need for prevention and global surveillance.

12 Feb 2025

Temperature and rainfall found to drive dengue fever dynamics globally

The research team led by KIM Jae Kyoung, Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at KAIST and Chief Investigator of the Biomedical Mathematics Group at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), has unveiled new insights into how weather influences the spread of dengue fever.

12 Feb 2025

Zika virus manipulates human skin to attract mosquitoes and boost transmission

Zika virus hijacks the skin of its human host to send out chemical signals that lure more mosquitoes to infect and spread the disease further, new research shows.

30 Jan 2025

COVID-19 vaccine developed by Brazilian researchers shows promise in mice

Studies conducted in mice have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo's Medical School (FM-USP) in Brazil is safe and efficacious.

13 Jan 2025

Study reveals how Zika virus hijacks host protein for reproduction

The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing microcephaly, a birth defect in which abnormal brain development results in a smaller-than-expected head.

13 Jan 2025

Study reveals evidence of 22 viruses in human semen post-infection

This study uncovers the persistence of 22 viruses in human semen, emphasizing the need for updated public health strategies and insights into fertility impacts.

16 Dec 2024

Scientists detect replication-competent Oropouche virus in semen of traveler, sparking transmission fears

Researchers confirmed the presence of replication-competent Oropouche virus in semen, raising concerns about potential sexual transmission following a traveler's infection.

9 Oct 2024

New review explores Zika virus as a potential treatment for brain cancer

A new review was published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on September 30, 2024, entitled, "Zika virus and brain cancer: Can Zika be an effective treatment for brain cancer? A systematic review."

9 Oct 2024

Oropouche virus spreads in South America as scientists warn of potential outbreaks in the U.S.

Researchers review the reemergence and range expansion of Oropouche virus in South America, highlighting risks of spread to the U.S. and need for improved diagnostic tests. Over 9,000 cases and two deaths were reported in 2024.

4 Oct 2024

New humanized mouse models created to study COVID-19

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have developed six lines of humanized mice that can serve as valuable models for studying human cases of COVID-19.

1 Oct 2024

Survey reveals significant gaps in global pandemic preparedness

Abbott announced the findings of a new survey; among leading infectious disease experts around the world on the state of pandemic preparedness and found that while most agree that preparation has improved since the COVID-19 pandemic, respondents say significant gaps remain in building surveillance programs to identify emerging pathogens, public health funding and having adequate testing infrastructure capabilities.

18 Sep 2024