Until now, scientists have tentatively suggested that there may be a link between the virus and Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune condition when the body attacks itself after an infection.

Researchers at Glasgow University have been able to shed more light on how the Zika virus works by sequencing the full-length genome of the virus from a patient in Brazil.

Two British tourists have contracted the Zika virus after travelling to Florida, US, and pregnant women have been advised to cancel all 'non-essential' travel to the American state.

The Dept of Commerce says 74m US residents travelled internationally in 2015 - a 9% rise on the previous year. Of those, 33m travelled overseas, with the UK the most popular destination.

Two weeks ago, two British tourists in Florida were reported to have contracted Zika. The news came as the richest man in the world announced the details of a major project to tackle the problem.

The mosquito-borne virus sparked global panic this year after millions were infected, causing scores of babies to be born with birth defects such as microcephaly.

Tony Gardner said he was bitten by an infected mosquito while shooting scenes for the crime comedy in the islands of Guadeloupe this summer.

A new study has found that, when it comes to warding off mosquitoes, nothing beats mosquito spray. Researchers have warned against candles and alarms - branding the latter 'snake oil'.

In a new map from St Louis University in Missouri, countries along the Mississippi Delta were found to pose the highest risk for Zika transmission as well as some on the Atlantic coast.

Official data says just 16 Zika-infected babies have been born since the mosquito-born illness swept the Americas last year. However, more than 3,300 pregnant women got the virus in 2016.

The virus lingers in the blood stream and saliva for up to about two weeks after infection, and remains in bodily fluids like semen for months. But NIH scientists confirm a kiss is not dangerous.

Health officials say they discovered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes - known to carry Zika virus and dengue - in York County, Nebraska, on Tuesday . It's the first time they've been seen in the state.

Robert Lewandowski has urged Poland to approach their crunch Euro 2016 game against Germany 'without fear' ‒ although the captain admits their opponents are favourites to win the tournament.

Lukas Podolski was born in Poland but plays for Germany, and Thursday's match between the countries at the European Championship promises to be another emotional experience.

MATT BARLOW AT THE STADE DE FRANCE: This time, Joachim Low was left scratching his head as opposed to another part of his anatomy as Poland made his world champions appear mortal..

Sportsmail's Martin Keown offers his assessment of Tuesday's two early games at Euro 2016 as Northern Ireland look to secure progress to the last 16 and Poland try to beat Germany to top spot.

The contrast in difficulty is summed up by the fact that the bottom half has nations with a total of 20 major titles (11 World Cups and nine Euros), while there is a total of none in the top half.

One of Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Northern Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland and Wales are guaranteed a place in the final - none of whom have a major international honour to their name.

SECRET SCOUT: Sportsmail’s football expert has been busy scrutinising the Euros for prospective Premier League bargains this summer. 

Polish coach Adam Nawalka doesn't want striker Robert Lewandowski compared to Cristiano Ronaldo as the striker faces Switzerland on Saturday having failed to score at Euro 2016.

The underwhelming group-stages are over and Euro 2016's knockout round is underway. Here, Sportsmail columnist MARTIN KEOWN gives his verdict on Saturday's last-16 games.

Poland are through to the quarter-finals of a European Championship for the first time in their history after defeating Switzerland 5-4 on penalties in Saint Etienne following a 1-1 draw.

Arkadiusz Milik is looking forward to playing against one of his footballing heroes, Cristiano Ronaldo, when Poland face Portugal in the European Championship quarter-finals in Marseille.

The Portugal squad travelled to Marseille the day before the contest, with a number of the squad's senior players posing for a photograph while en route to the southern French city.

Lewandowski hasn't lit up Euro 2016 and will need to regain his form from qualifying if Poland are to have any chance of getting past Portugal on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be the only superstar on show on Thursday night in Marseille. But Poland's manager, players and supporters are relying on Robert Lewandowski finding his shooting boots.

IAN LADYMAN AT STADE VELODROME: Cristiano Ronaldo has been here before and made the wrong call. Portugal exited Euro 2012 on penalties to Spain without their great talisman taking a kick.

Everton and Napoli target Arkadiusz Milik will not be allowed to leave in this window, say his club Ajax. The Polish star is understood have agreed to stay at least until January.

Poland's World Cup qualifier with Romania had to be suspended when a firecracker exploded at the feet of striker Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich man needed medical attention.

Bucharest police have questioned 17 football fans after clashes at the World Cup qualifier between Romania and Poland on Friday.

The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot was won by Colombia's James Rodriguez, who set the tournament alight with six goals and goal of the tournament before earning a transfer to Real Madrid.

Sportsmail's CHRIS SUTTON gives his verdict ahead of an action-packed day of World Cup football as he tips tournament hosts Russia to beat Egypt with or without star man Mo Salah.

When it comes to Robert Lewandowski, the numbers do not lie. He scored 41 goals in the season just gone, and hit 43 the year before. He has 55 in 95 games for Poland.

After the incredible drama of Wednesday's World Cup matches, Groups G and H could well provide a similar level of excitement. Here, Sportsmail runs through all the permutations...

The UEFA Nations League inaugural weekend continues tonight as Italy host Poland, while Scotland are also in action in a friendly with Belgium. Follow the action here with MICHAEL SEARLES .

Portsmouth striker Ronan Curtis has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for Tuesday night's friendly in Poland. The 22-year-old has been added to a depleted party for the game in Wroclaw.

CRAIG HOPE IN WROCLAW: Poland manage to salvage a draw in their friendly with the Republic of Ireland after Mateusz Klich cancelled out Aiden O'Brien's debut goal on Tuesday evening.

Cristiano Biraghi has paid tribute to his former Fiorentina team-mate, the late Davide Astori, after scoring a last-gasp winner for Italy against Poland. Astori tragically passed away earlier this year.

Arkadiusz Milik's second half penalty cancelled out Andre Silva's opening goal for Portugal as the Nations League finalists were held in Guimaraes on Tuesday night.

England secured their place in the Nations League semi-finals but they will now have a close eye on the Euro 2020 qualification draw as they look to keep their momentum going.

Arsenal players looked fired up ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Wednesday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang posted a video on his Instagram page.

Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi has been handed his first England Under-21 call-up as he continues his rise. The forward has been included for the friendlies against Poland and Germany.

NORWAY 3-3 SWEDEN: Norway substitute Ola Kamara scored in the 96th minute to snatch a 3-3 draw at home to neighbours Sweden in a fiercely-contested Group F Euro 2020 qualifier.

SWEDEN 1-1 NORWAY: Emil Forsberg scored the equaliser as Sweden managed to secure a point at home to Norway in a Euro 2020 qualifier. Norway had taken the lead through Stefan Johansen.

Victor Lindelof pulled no punches after Sweden's 1-1 stalemate with Norway in Euro 2020 qualifying, and placed the blame firmly at his own doorstep.

A stoppage-time strike by substitute Rodrigo cancelled out Marcus Berg's opener for Sweden and gave Spain the draw they needed to qualify for Euro 2020.

SPAIN 5-0 ROMANIA: Gerard Moreno scored a brace as Spain concluded their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with an emphatic 5-0 win at home to Romania.

Robert Moreno has refused to shed any further light on the nature of his exit as Spain manager after being dramatically forced aside for Luis Enrique this week.

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week in search of the next big star. This week they give Sportsmail the low-down on Crystal Palace starlet NYA KIRBY.

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. This week they give Sportsmail the low down on Nottingham Forest right back Matty Cash.