Zika virus in blood, animation - stock video

Zika virus infection. Animation showing Zika virus particles (blue) amongst red and white blood cells. Zika virus is an RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus. It is transmitted to humans via the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, and there have been reports of sexual transmission. It causes Zika fever, a mild disease with symptoms including rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. In 2015 a connection between Zika infection in pregnant women and microcephaly (small head) in newborns was reported. This can cause miscarriage or death soon after birth, or lead to developmental deficits. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues and white blood cells are part of the immune system, involved in protecting the body against infection.