University of Manchester scientists to develop Zika virus vaccine

The move is part of a new initiative to counter the disease. Researchers expect to deliver results in 18 months, working with a smallpox virus derivative that may also be modified to protect against other infectious diseases apart from the Zika virus.

University of Manchester Senior Lecturer Tom Blanchard said: "As we have seen in the case of Ebola there is now a real need to react quickly to fast spreading tropical diseases.

"Zika can cause serious illness, but it often has no visible symptoms, so a vaccine for those at risk is one of the most effective ways we have of combatting it."

In a separate development, the UK Government has confirmed an extra £2m to fund scientific research to tackle the rise of the Zika virus.

A further £1m from the Wellcome Trust will bring total UK investment to £4m.

A number of other groups globally, including teams in the US, Brazil and Canada are also carrying out research on Zika vaccines.

The World Health Organization declared the Zika virus to be an international public health emergency.

The virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. It is generally mild and self-limiting, lasting two to seven days.

The symptoms of the virus include fever, rash, joint pain, itching, conjunctivitis or red eyes, headache, muscle pain, and eye pain.

Image: The Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. Photo: courtesy of The University of Manchester.