What is the Zika Virus?
Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. It was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and can spread through mosquito bites, sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from mother to baby. Although often mild, Zika can lead to severe complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome or birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. Its symptoms are usually flu-like, and in many cases, people may not realize they are infected.