How might the virus affect countries and communities across the world? Zika Virus Do countries such as the UK have a moral obligation to intervene? Explore the consequences of the virus on individuals. Might the response to the outbreak be different in other countries? Values focus – individual liberty

The Zika Virus Zika virus infection is caused by a virus which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headache, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and rash, along with joint and muscle pain. The illness is typically mild and lasts only a few days. In Brazil, there has recently been a significant increase in number of babies born with birth defects (congenital malformations), such as infants born with an abnormally small head and microcephaly (an underdeveloped brain). The Ministry of Health of Brazil recently identified a possible relationship between Zika virus infection and the increase in the number of microcephaly cases. An investigation to better understand the relationship between Zika virus infection and increased risk for microcephaly is ongoing.

On this slide are three images that have been used in the media reports on the virus outbreak. The top image shows a young couple with their new-born daughter, infected by the virus. The bottom two images are of the same girl, in one of them her 10 year-old brother is trying to comfort her and stop her crying.

In Brazil, women cannot freely have an abortion. Abortions are only allowed in a handful of situations, once they have been approved by a judge. However one Brazilian judge has said that he is willing to grant an abortion if a mother who is infected with the virus can prove that her unborn child has been catastrophically brain damaged and will not be expected to live.