Case Report Shows Possible Link Between Zika, More Severe Birth Defects

News outlets discuss the findings of a report published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases on severe birth defects and a possible link to Zika virus.

CIDRAP News: Case hints at other severe birth defects tied to Zika
“The suspected link between Zika virus and congenital complications in newborns grew stronger [Thursday] with the report of several severe birth defects in a stillborn Brazilian baby infected with the virus…” (Schnirring, 2/25).

Reuters: Zika infection may cause stillbirth, loss of brain tissue: report
“…The study showed the baby’s brain was absent, a condition known as hydranencephaly. Instead of tissue, the brain cavities were filled with fluid. The baby also had abnormal pools of fluid in other parts of its body. The case, published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, is the first to link Zika virus with damage to fetal tissues outside the central nervous system…” (Steenhuysen, 2/25).

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