Zika-Linked Birth Defects in Brazil Down in 2016 stat : WebMD

WEDNESDAY, March 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Brazil experienced a smaller-than-expected increase in cases of microcephaly in 2016, despite the continued spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Brazil served as the epicenter of the 2015 Zika outbreak in South America, and it was the country that endured the highest rates of microcephaly and other Zika-related neurological birth defects that year. Zika reemerged in Brazil early in 2016, and so researchers expected more cases of microcephaly to crop up as the months passed. Zika causes microcephaly, a birth defect where babies are born with abnormally small skulls and underdeveloped brains. This is possible, the study authors said, because the 2015 Zika outbreak likely created "herd immunity" against the virus among Brazilians.




Fewer Zika-Linked Birth Defects Than ExpectedScientists expected a surge of severe birth defects in Brazil because of the Zika outbreak. Health organizations are reporting fewer cases of Zika-linked birth defects than projected. ALBERT KO: This prior exposure to dengue may actually enhance or promote the risk of birth defects. MICHAELEEN DOUCLEFF, BYLINE: In 2015, Brazil had a massive outbreak of Zika, and with it came a surge in birth defects. Researchers are re-examining the link between Zika and birth defects.


51 Babies Born With Zika-Related Birth Defects In The U.S. Last YearEnlarge this image toggle caption Carlos Giusti/AP Carlos Giusti/APHealth officials have published the first comprehensive view of Zika-linked birth defects occurring in the U.S. Of those women with laboratory evidence of Zika virus, there were 77 reported pregnancy losses and 51 babies born with birth defects, including 43 babies with microcephaly or brain abnormalities. And in general, birth defects from all causes affect more than 100,000 babies in the U.S. each year, the CDC reports. "We're still seeing about 30 to 40 Zika cases in pregnant women each week in the U.S.," Schuchat says. We know that there can be babies who don't have microcephaly but imaging of the brain can reveal serious brain defects."


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