organism that causes zika
Zika virus. The Zika virus is a Flavivirus from the same family as the Dengue, West Nile, and Yellow fever viruses. It is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedine mosquito. Zika usually causes a mild fever lasting for several days, and other symptoms include rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. More worryingly from a public health standpoint is the perceived association of Zika with birth defects (microcephaly) and the progressive neurological disorder Guillain-BarrÃ© syndrome.