The virus carried by mosquitoes can cause microcephaly in infants born to infected mothers. Outbreaks have been noted in Central and South America, Cape Verdes, and in the Caribbean. Zika was first isolated in Africa. http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/23/zika-virus-three-uk-travellers-diagnosed#_=_ The outbreaks also appear to be associated with an increase in the incidence of Guillain-Barre syndrome. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/23/zika-virus-may-be-linked-to-rare-nerve-condition The US has issued warnings against travel to 22 countries for pregnant women. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/ The CDC has also issued guidelines for management of pregnant women who may have been exposed. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6502e1.htm More countries added to the list including Cape Verdes. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/857693

The World Health Organization has just declared a a global emergency. http://www.bbc.com/news/health-35459797?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_breaking&ns_source=twitter&ns_linkname=news_central