Zika virus particle, rotating animation with internal structure. The zika virus (ZIKV) is typically icosahedral shaped. The layers from outside in are: glycoproteins (outer layer), membrane and envelope proteins, and RNA (ribonucleic acid, central core). The zika virus is an RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus from the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted to humans via the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It causes zika fever, a mild disease with symptoms including rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. In 2015 a previously unknown connection between Zika infection in pregnant women and microcephaly (small head) in newborns was reported. This can cause miscarriage or death soon after birth, or lead to developmental delays and disorders.