Recent disease outbreaks, like Ebola and Zika, have demonstrated the need to anticipate pandemics and contain them before they emerge.
In addition to unpleasant itching and scratching, days after they can also cause some more serious problems, spreading diseases such as chikungunya, dengue and Zika. Here we've put together some top tips on steps you can take to avoid being bitten.
US health authorities on Friday declare a public health emergency in Puerto Rico due to the outbreak of Zika, which has now infected more than 10,000 people.
World number two Dustin Johnson, who won his first major title at the US Open Golf Championship in June, will not play in the Rio Olympics because of concerns over the Zika virus.
Parts of a mutilated body wash up on the sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, just meters (yards) from where beach volleyball athletes will compete in the upcoming Olympics.
World No.1 golfer Jason Day of Australia says he is withdrawing from the Rio Olympic Games over the threat of the Zika virus.
South African Branden Grace joins a growing list of leading golfers withdrawing from the Rio Olympics on Friday due to concerns about the Zika virus.
Rory McIlroy has pulled out of the Olympic Games in Rio because of concerns about the Zika virus.
Rio de Janeiro's governor declares a state of financial emergency and requests federal funds to help fulfill obligations for public services during the Olympics that start August 5.
Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford decides to freeze his sperm because of fears about the Zika virus at this year's Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The World Health Organization is to conduct an examination into the risks of holding the Olympic Games in Brazil because of the Zika virus.
Australia captain Steven Smith and his team have been warned about risks associated with the Zika virus ahead of their tour of the West Indies next month.
Australia's Olympians will be issued with free super-strength condoms in Rio to minimise any infection from the Zika virus, officials say on Monday.
The mosquito-borne Zika virus may be even more dangerous than previously thought, scientists in Brazil say.
Scientists in Brazil uncovers new brain disorder associated with Zika infections in adults: an autoimmune syndrome called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or ADEM, that attacks the brain and spinal cord.
Brazil's health ministry says it will launch a smartphone application to track the Zika virus during the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and help visitors detect the disease.
Medical researchers in Bangladesh have detected the first case of Zika virus, ringing alarms for the authorities to take strong preventive measures at the early stage.
South Korean health authorities say a man who recently returned home from Brazil has been confirmed to be infected with the Zika virus.
Panama registers a baby born with a brain disorder believed linked to the Zika virus, in what is thought to be the first such case outside Brazil in the current outbreak.