Zika virus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a U-251 glioblastoma cell line 48hrs after infection with Zika virus. Numerous small viral particles, often associated with microvilli, are being shed. Zika virus is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. Zika is spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Zika virus shares a genus with the dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile viruses. The infection often causes no or only mild symptoms. Currently no vaccines have been approved for clinical use, however a number of vaccines are currently in clinical trials. Zika can spread from a pregnant woman to her baby. This can result in severe brain malformations including microcephaly and may also induce more subtle brain developmental defects. Mag: x13000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide. Specimen courtesy of Professor Greg Towers and Hashim Ali, University College London, UK