Common Name(s):
Zika Fever
Alternative Names & Classifications:
Zika Virus Disease (CLINICAL), Zika Virus Infection (CLINICAL)
Description
Primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, this virus can also spread through sexual contact and blood transfusions. It generally causes mild symptoms in adult populations but severely affects developing fetuses. Infection during pregnancy directly damages fetal neural progenitor cells, leading to microcephaly and severe brain anomalies.