Mosquito Born Zika Virus Outbreak Causing Microcephaly in Newborns in Brazil

Authorities in Brazil have recently issued an unusual and unprecedented announcement to women: don’t get pregnant, at least not just yet. Amidst an intractable outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus, public health authorities in Brazil are highly suspicious of an unusual surge of cases of microcephaly among newborn children.

Much like the emerging Chikungunya virus, Zika virus was first identified in east Africa in the mid-twentieth century and has rapidly swept through Central and South America in the past year. For children and adults, the infection is relatively benign, causing a mild fever with rash, conjunctivitis or pink eye, and muscle and joint pain.

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