U.S. and Brazilian researchers detected microcephaly — or other neurological complications related to congenital Zika — in 13 infants born with normal-sized heads in Brazil months after birth. The cases are detailed in the CDC's most recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
All 13 infants were born with laboratory evidence of congenital Zika. Five months after birth, head growth decelerated and 11 of the 13 babies were eventually diagnosed with microcephaly. All 13 infants experienced neurological defects linked to congenital Zika, like decreased brain development. Other defects detected include epilepsy in seven infants and eye abnormalities in three infants.
"CDC continues to recommend that pregnant women not travel to areas with Zika," the CDC said in a release regarding the cases. "If a pregnant woman travels to or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission, she should talk with her healthcare provider and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika virus. Pregnant women with possible exposure to Zika virus should be tested for Zika infection even if they do not have symptoms."
To learn more about Zika and pregnancy, click here.
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