The Zika virus was first identified in Rhesus monkeys in Uganda, and was named after the forest where it originated. The first human case was in 1952, since then there has been outbreaks in tropical Africa, south east Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The virus is carried and passed on by infected mosquitos. Symptoms of infection are: mild fever, conjunctivitis, headache, joint pain, and a rash. Infection of pregnant women has been linked to babies being born with microcephaly; babies born with underdeveloped brains. As a result pregnant women are advised, by the government, not to travel to areas where the disease is rife. Currently no vaccine or drug treatment has been developed, so patients are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
