Zika Outbreak: 5 Facts You Need to Know

1) The Birthplace of the Zika Virus                                            (1 of 5)

1) The Birthplace of the Zika Virus                                            (1 of 5)

 

In 1947, scientists discovered the Zika virus in Uganda while surveying the Zika forest. They were performing research on yellow fever, but uncovered the presence of the Zika virus in a money in captivity.

However, it was not until 1952 when scientists discovered the first human case of Zika virus in the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda. People became infected with the Zika virus when a mosquito carrying the disease transmitted it to them. The virus is active in the Americas, Pacific Islands, and Africa.