Chinese scientists have sequenced the genome of the country's first imported Zika virus, helping with prevention and diagnosis.

This will lay the foundation for understanding the variations of the virus as well as developing bacteria and re-agents to diagnose the disease.

China has had confirmed two Zika cases, both were imported. Not so long ago the Chinese health authorities confirmed the third case of a Zika infection in a 38-year-old man, who contracted the virus overseas. According to the patient, he was bitten by mosquitoes.

Zika causes only minor flu-like symptoms in adults. However, researchers believe the virus is the likely factor behind a sharp rise in cases of microcephaly - newborns with abnormally small heads.