ATLANTA (AP) - Leading researchers are gathering in Atlanta to discuss the Zika virus.
Organizers formed the conference to promote earlier detection of epidemic viruses. Last year's event focused on the Ebola and Chikungunya viruses.
Panels, forums and discussions were held on Sunday and throughout the day on Monday at Emory University, with the conference concluding on Tuesday.
Several researchers also presented their findings on the effects of the Zika virus, including the prevalence of microcephaly, a birth defect in which babies are born with abnormally small heads.
There were 1168 confirmed cases of microcephaly in Brazil as of April 21, which has been the area most impacted by the Zika virus.
The disease is primarily caused by mosquitoes carrying the virus but can also be transmitted by sexual contact.
