What we need to know about the new virus Zika

As the devastating Zika virus rampages through the Caribbean and Latin America – and threatens to hit parts of the US such as Florida – more and more questions are being asked about how it can be transmitted.
The virus has been linked to birth defects in thousands of Brazilian babies, born with heads smaller than normal and undeveloped brains.
Symptoms include a rash, fever, conjunctivitis and headache and to date, 21 countries have been affected.

At the moment, there is clear scientific evidence the virus is transmitted by the same type of mosquito that spreads other tropical diseases, such as dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever.
But there are also fears the virus may be passed on through sex, following two reports in medical literature.
One states that Zika was found in the semen of a man from Tahiti, the other that the virus was passed from a husband to his wife after intercourse.
But is there really a risk?
In a statement issued this week, the World Health Organisation said there was still insufficient evidence to make the link.
But these research papers argue otherwise.
What is Zika Virus?
A mosquito-borne illness called Zika virus is quickly making waves around the world after thousands of infected women gave birth to babies with severe brain and head underdevelopment in Brazil. As the disease spreads at a rapid pace, here's what you should know.

Zika Can Cause Severe Brain Damage And Paralysis If Transmitted To A Fetus
Fear began after Zika was connected to brain development in babies:

Those infected with Zika during pregnancy appear to be able to transmit the virus to their fetuses. In some cases, this may lead to microcephaly, a terrible congenital condition that's associated with a small head and incomplete brain development. Babies born with microcephaly have a limited life expectancy and poor brain function.
Last week it was announced that Zika may also cause the paralytic condition Guillain-Barré Syndrome:

With GBS, a person typically will lose strength in the legs at first; for some, the problem progresses in an “ascending” manner, meaning that the arms and the muscles of breathing may be next affected. Thankfully, for most patients, this severe form does not develop. If a patient—even one with paralyzed breathing muscles — can be stabilized, including support with a ventilator if needed, most will survive.
New Evidence Suggests That It Could Also Be Sexually Transmitted
Zika virus has already been linked to brain damage in babies and paralysis in adults. Now scientists are facing another ominous possibility: that on rare occasions, the virus might be transmitted through sex. The evidence is very slim; only a couple of cases have been described in medical literature. But a few experts feel the prospect is disturbing enough that federal health officials should inform all travelers, not just pregnant women, of the potential danger.
Concern Began After Thousands Of Cases Were Reported In Brazil
Brazil has reported 3,893 suspected cases of microcephaly, the WHO said last Friday, over 30 times more than in any year since 2010 and equivalent to 1-2 percent of all newborns in the state of Pernambuco, one of the worst-hit areas.
And The CDC Has Warned Pregnant Travelers To Avoid Highly Affected Countries
Pregnant women should not travel to Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, Guyana, Cape Verde and Samoa because of Zika virus, the CDC said Friday ... This comes on the heels of last week's travel alert from the CDC recommending pregnant women postpone travel to Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.