Study provides a reliable estimate of the frequency of neurodevelopmental, vision and hearing defects in infants and toddlers after they are exposed in utero to Zika.
By the age of 12 to 18 months, significant problems were present in seven of the 112 children (6.25 percent) who were evaluated for eye abnormalities, in six of the 49 children (12.2 percent) evaluated for hearing problems, and in 11 of the 94 children (11.7 percent) evaluated for severe delays in language, motor skills and/or cognitive function who also had brain imaging.
Zika Fever
Zika virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes which causes mild fever with maculopapular rash. No treatment or vaccine is currently available.
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In all, 19 of a total of 131 children (14.5 percent) had at least one of the three abnormalities.
From September 2015 to June 2016, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, experienced an epidemic of Zika virus, a then relatively unknown mosquito-borne virus that was later linked to an unusually high number of cases of microcephaly, a condition characterized by an abnormally small head, and other neurological abnormalities in infants.
![Test Your Knowledge on Zika Virus]( "Test Your Knowledge on Zika Virus")
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes fever, headache, skin rashes, joint and muscle pain in infected individuals. The symptoms usually last for only 2 to 7 days. Fetal symptoms vary and have led to International concern.
The researchers conducted at least one imaging exam (using transfontanelle cerebral ultrasound, computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging); an eye exam; a standard screening called Bayley III, which measures infants' cognitive, language and motor skills; and a brainstem evoked audiometry test, which diagnoses hearing loss in newborns and young children.
The researchers note, however, that brain imaging failed to predict severe neurodevelopmental delays in 2 percent of cases. Also, 16 percent of infants who had abnormal brain images early in life had normal cognitive, language and motor skills by 12 to 18 months of age.
Source: Eurekalert
Test Your Knowledge on Zika Virus
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes fever, headache, skin rashes, joint and muscle pain in infected individuals. The symptoms usually last for only 2 to 7 days. Fetal symptoms vary and have led to International concern.
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The researchers conducted at least one imaging exam (using transfontanelle cerebral ultrasound, computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging); an eye exam; a standard screening called Bayley III, which measures infants' cognitive, language and motor skills; and a brainstem evoked audiometry test, which diagnoses hearing loss in newborns and young children.
The researchers note, however, that brain imaging failed to predict severe neurodevelopmental delays in 2 percent of cases. Also, 16 percent of infants who had abnormal brain images early in life had normal cognitive, language and motor skills by 12 to 18 months of age.
Source: Eurekalert
Recombinant Subunit Vaccine Found Effective for Zika Virus
Zika spreads by the bite of infected mosquitos and through sex. Although there is no treatment or cure for Zika virus infection, prevention is possible by a recombinant vaccine
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Antibodies to Diagnose and Fight Zika VirusRibosomal display helped to find six different antibodies that bind to zika virus which helps to diagnose and treat it. | Advertisement
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