Zika virus outbreak (2015-2016)

The Zika virus outbreak, which peaked between 2015 and 2016, primarily affected countries in the Americas, particularly Brazil. Transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, the virus often caused mild symptoms like fever and rash, but it was linked to serious birth defects, such as microcephaly, in newborns whose mothers were infected during pregnancy. The outbreak raised global health concerns and prompted efforts for better mosquito control and vaccine research. Public health campaigns aimed to inform communities about preventing bites and understanding the virus's risks, particularly for pregnant women.