2016 Zika outbreak

The 2016 Zika outbreak was a global health concern caused by the Zika virus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It spread rapidly across parts of the Americas, especially in Brazil, leading to thousands of cases. Zika is usually mild, but it can cause serious birth defects such as microcephaly if pregnant women are infected. The outbreak prompted widespread public health efforts including mosquito control, travel advisories, and research on vaccines. Understanding and controlling mosquito populations were key to limiting the virus’s spread and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and their babies.