China says it has developed the reagent for the detection of the Zika virus. The move paves the way for the development of a vaccine.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention says regulations for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the Zika virus has also been drawn up.

The Chinese authorities are coordinating their action with the WHO which is informing relevant ministries of the risks associated with the virus.

Ni Daxin, a researcher from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, says further study on the virus is underway.

"Cases of microcephaly do increase sharply during an epidemic of the Zika virus disease. And some evidence shows there is a correlation between them. However, whether the Zika virus results in the massive increase of clustering cases or there is an causal relationship between them still requires further research. Therefore, the WHO encourages the need to strengthen research into the causes of microcephaly and other nervous system diseases, to identify the relation between them."

So far Chinese mainland has not reported any Zika virus cases, but experts warn people should make themselves aware of the dangers, especially with rising temperatures in southern provinces.

Zika is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes. It's normally non-fatal, and only leaves people with minor symptoms. As yet there is no cure or vaccine.

However, its impact on pregnant women is a major concern.

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