Here's all you need to know about the Zika virus - from the dangers it poses to pregnant women to the steps one can take to minimise risk of exposure. Q: What is the Zika virus? A: It is a virus infection transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which also carries the dengue and chikungunya viruses. It is generally a mild disease; four in five people who become infected with Zika do not show any symptoms but could be infectious. Q: What are the symptoms? A: They include a fever, an itchy rash, body aches, headache, red eyes and occasionally, nausea and vomiting. These usually develop within three to 12 days after the mosquito bite and often last between four and seven days. Q: Who is at greatest risk? A: Unborn babies are the most at risk should their mothers become infected with the Zika virus. Between 1 per cent and 10 per cent of women infected during pregnancy give birth to babies with defects. The most common defect is microcephaly, where the