New Viral Spread Creates Stigma of Pregnancy in Women Across Brazil

A new mosquito-borne virus is spreading across Brazil that is supposed to be the reason behind babies being born with brain abnormalities.

The virus is called as Zika and it was first discovered in Brazil in 2007. Recently, Brazil health authorities found the virus in the autopsy of a baby with microcephaly. It is a rare condition in which infants are born with shrunken skull. They have also found the virus in the amniotic fluid of two mothers whose babies have the same condition.

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TOP INSIGHT

Brazil health authorities warn women against pregnancy in fear of a new mosquito-borne virus called Zika virus that damages the brain of babies.

Now, the officials are asking women to postpone pregnancy due to the increased spread of this virus. Zika virus can cause serious neurological complications or even death.

So far, the country has seen 2, 400 cases of microcephaly that has been linked to 29 infant deaths in this year. But in 2014, only 147 cases were reported. This increase in this condition has created an alarm across the country and officials are suggesting women to hold pregnancy.

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Cases of microcephaly are skyrocketing in Brazil and the discovery that mosquitoes carry the disease means there are few ways to stop it.

The country has taken mosquito eradication measures seriously and public awareness campaign are also being conducted at several places. WHO is also closely monitoring the spread of Zika virus across the world.

Source-Medindia

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