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An outbreak of the Zika virus in the Americas has turned into a public health emergency, according to the World Health Organization. Though most cases of the virus are harmless, some health officials believe it may be linked to a sharp increase in birth defects. Scientists also think Zika infections can trigger a severe neurological disorder, called Guillain-Barré syndrome, in a small number of cases. As a result, health officials and researchers around the world are trying to figure out how the Zika virus works — and what can be done to prevent it. You can follow along here for the latest.
- Oct 3, 2016, 4:50 PM UTC
Zika infects monkeys' brains and lingers in sex organs and saliva
The virus persists in semen, saliva, and spinal fluid
- Aug 29, 2016, 9:01 PM UTC
Zika-infected mosquitoes lay Zika-infected eggs
This is the first experimental proof that mosquitoes can transmit Zika to their own offspring
- Aug 26, 2016, 3:21 PM UTC
FDA recommends testing all donated blood in the US for Zika virus
By Colin Lecher
- Aug 5, 2016, 4:51 PM UTC
The FDA just approved genetically modified mosquitoes to fight Zika in Florida
Field trials won’t start before the fall
- Aug 3, 2016, 4:49 PM UTC
Human trials for an experimental Zika vaccine are about to start in the US
The trial will last two years
- Aug 1, 2016, 9:40 PM UTC
New diagnostic tool could make detecting Zika cheap and easy
In remote areas of Central and Latin America
- Aug 1, 2016, 7:23 PM UTC
CDC issues Miami travel warning over Zika outbreak
14 mosquito-borne infections so far
- Jun 28, 2016, 6:27 PM UTC
Pregnant monkeys shown to stay infected with Zika longer
It could indicate an infection loop between mom and fetus
By Loren Grush
- Jun 28, 2016, 3:00 PM UTC
Two Zika vaccine candidates shown to completely protect mice from the virus
The vaccines still need to go through human clinical trials
By Loren Grush
- Jun 22, 2016, 9:00 PM UTC
Health advisories in Zika-affected countries may have prompted more women to seek abortions
- Jun 16, 2016, 7:31 PM UTC
Three babies born in the US with Zika-related birth defects
All three were born last week
- Jun 15, 2016, 9:00 PM UTC
Zika infection late in pregnancy doesn't cause brain defects, study says
Early pregnancy 'is most vulnerable'
- Jun 9, 2016, 9:02 PM UTC
People in Zika-affected countries advised to delay pregnancies
The new guidelines are directed at millions of people in Latin America and the Caribbean
- May 19, 2016, 6:06 PM UTC
How the media fell for an 'anti-Zika' condom stunt
A marketing ploy that could put people at risk
- May 11, 2016, 5:00 PM UTC
Zika-infected mice gave birth to babies with brain damage
The first experimental proof that Zika causes birth defects
- Apr 13, 2016, 9:22 PM UTC
CDC confirms Zika virus does cause microcephaly
It’s the first time US researchers have confirmed the link
By Loren Grush
- Mar 31, 2016, 6:00 PM UTC
Scientists finally know what the Zika virus looks like
The virus' 3D structure has been revealed
- Mar 30, 2016, 9:00 PM UTC
The evidence that Zika causes fetal brain damage is now 'awfully strong'
A report describes an abnormal pregrancy following a Zika infection
- Mar 25, 2016, 7:16 PM UTC
Women with Zika should wait eight weeks before trying to become pregnant
And men should wear condoms for six months after developing symptoms
- Mar 24, 2016, 6:00 PM UTC
The 2014 World Cup isn't to blame for the spread of the Zika virus in Brazil
Scientists estimate the virus arrived in Brazil in 2013
- Mar 11, 2016, 9:19 PM UTC
FDA moves forward on plan to fight Zika with genetically altered mosquitoes
- Mar 9, 2016, 5:11 PM UTC
Zika infections in first trimester linked to birth defect
There were 574 cases of microcephaly in Brazil last year
