What virus was affecting the unborn babies of Brazil?

What virus was affecting the unborn babies of Brazil?

Due to Zika virus, more than 1,600 babies were born in Brazil with microcephaly, or abnormally small heads, from September 2015 through April 2016. The epidemic took health professionals by surprise because the virus had been known since 1947 and was not linked to birth defects.

What happened to the babies born with Zika?

And even when they do, some 10%-20% of babies with Zika are born with no initial signs of birth defects. Unfortunately, researchers are also discovering that babies with Zika who seem fine at birth can exhibit issues with seizures, vision and brain development in their first year and perhaps beyond.

What country has the most deformed babies?

According to the report, Sudan has the most birth defects, with 82 per 1,000 live births, compared with 39.7 in France, which had the lowest number among the 193 countries surveyed.

What viruses cause birth defects?

Toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), varicella, rubella, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) are among the agents that are recognized to have the potential to cause birth defects in a developing fetus.

How long do babies born with Zika live?

For some babies, the brain may be smooth with no folds or few folds. Some babies with smooth brain don’t have serious health problems, but others stop developing after 3 to 5 months and many die before they’re 2 years old.

What race has the most deformities?

American Indians had the highest rates of lethal birth defects, followed by Asians, Hispanics, and blacks. The variation in rate of lethal birth defects among racial/ethnic groups may have been related to both incidence and survival.

Can a virus hurt my unborn baby?

Most viruses will not hurt your baby. However, some viruses can cause miscarriage or birth defects in your baby. A virus can affect your respiratory tract (breathing) and can cause other symptoms. The flu and the common cold are examples of viral infections.