Everything you need to know about Zika

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how the Zika virus is transmitted, describes its symptoms and teaches you how to protect yourself.

Source: CNN

Brazilian scientists find new Zika-linked brain disorder in adults

An edes aegypti mosquito is seen inside a test tube as part of a research on preventing the spread of the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases at a control and prevention center in Guadalupe, neighbouring Monterrey, Mexico, in this March 8, 2016 file photo.

REUTERS/DANIEL BECERRIL/FILES

Scientists in Brazil have uncovered a new brain disorder associated with Zika infections in adults: an autoimmune syndrome called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or ADEM, that attacks the brain and spinal cord.

Zika has already been linked with the autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome, which attacks peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing temporary paralysis that can in some cases require patients to rely on respirators for breathing.

The new discovery now shows Zika may provoke an immune attack on the central nervous system as well.

Complete story at Reuters

Brazil Confiscates Abortion Pills From Pregnant Women Exposed To Zika

In this Feb. 12, 2016 photo a baby born with microcephaly is examined by a neurologist in Campina Grande in Paraiba state, Brazil. CREDIT: AP PHOTO, FELIPE DANA

“I contacted Zika four days ago. I just found out I’m about six weeks pregnant. I have a son I love dearly. I love children. But I don’t believe it is a wise decision to keep a baby who will suffer. I need an abortion. I don’t know who to turn to. Please help me ASAP.”

This plea comes from one of the 20,000 emails sent by Latin American women to Women on Web, the international abortion advocacy organization that’s been sending free abortion pills to Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and other Zika-infected countries where abortion is illegal or nearly impossible to access. At least, until recently.

Women on Web discovered that officials have confiscated almost all of the pills shipped to Brazil, where more than 4,000 women have given birth to babies born with shrunken skulls — a condition linked to the Zika virus. Forced to stop all further shipments to the country, staff are struggling to find other ways to get the medication to concerned women.

The rest of this story at Think Progress

3D Structure Revealed: Scientists Finally Know What Zika Virus Looks Like

The incredible image above is the 3D structure of the Zika virus, which has only just been revealed. The finding could help scientists determine how the virus is transmitted and, hopefully, how to prevent infection.

The report, published today in Science, describes the virus as a spherical structure resembling that of the dengue virus and other viruses in its genus, known as "flaviviruses." But the 3D rendition also reveals some important differences. For example, scientists found the virus’ outer shell is slightly different from that of other viruses. This could help researchers attack the virus as a whole, or at the very least, prevent it from attaching to human cells.

Most people who are infected with Zika don't become ill; only 20 percent of infected persons develop symptoms, which resemble the flu and last around five days. But an outbreak of the virus in Brazil has caused concern among health officials who think Zika is responsible for different types of birth defects, including one that affects the brain size of newborns, microcephaly. Researchers have also linked the virus to a severe neurological disorder that causes temporary paralysis, Guillain-Barré syndrome. And even though Zika is mostly transmitted through mosquito bites, some people have become infected throughsexual contact, which means that avoiding mosquitoes isn't always enough to prevent infection. Because of this, researchers have been trying to find out what makes the virus tick. And now, they finally have a blueprint to work with.

Read on at The Verge

Zika and Pregnancy: What you should know

Zika virus disease (Zika) spreads to people mainly through the bite by two species of infected mosquitoes, one of which is more likely to transmit Zika. In past outbreaks, most people have not gotten sick, so people may not even know they are infected. Based on current knowledge, the greatest risk for complications from Zika is to a pregnant woman’s fetus. If a pregnant woman is infected with Zika, she can pass the virus to her fetus. Zika has been linked to cases of microcephaly, a serious birth defect, and is a sign that the baby is born with a smaller brain, which can result in medical problems and impaired development. Researchers are working to understand more about how Zika affects pregnant women and fetuses.

To protect the pregnancy, couples can:

• Check CDC travel guidance; pregnant women should avoid travel to any area with Zika.www.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information.
• Talk to her doctor or other healthcare provider first, if she must travel to an area with Zika.
• Prevent mosquito bites, including covering up arms and legs and using EPA-registered insect repellent, which is safe to use during pregnancy.
• Use latex condoms, the right way, every time or choose not to have any type of sex if the male partner has been in an area with Zika during the pregnancy.

Information from CDC,gov

WHO: Evidence Link Zikavirus and Microcephaly

Scientists are now 100% convinced there is a link between the Zika virus and the birth of babies with small skulls, microcephaly. There is also a proof for a link between Zika and the Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a muscle disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) writes this in their newest situation report.

The full WHO press release