Zika Virus (ZIKV). Graphics showing the structure of Zika Virus particles. The viral surface is coated with envelope proteins. A host-cell derived membrane lies sandwiched between the envelope proteins and the inner core. The core contains the RNA genome. Zika is an emerging threat, because it has been linked to birth defects (microcephaly). The virus is a flavivirus related to West Nile Virus. The structure can be appreciated in these ZIKA VIRUS ANIMATIONS. Please email me if you'd like to licence the animations of if you have any questions.