Zika Virus Causes Severe Brain Defects, CDC Confirms

Written by MARC TORRENCE (Patch National Staff)

Government scientists reported Wednesday they have definitely determined that the Zika virus causes severe defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and brains that do not develop properly.

The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine by scientists at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This study marks a turning point in the Zika outbreak," CDC director Tom Frieden said in a press release. "It is now clear that the virus causes microcephaly.

"We are also launching further studies to determine whether children who have microcephaly born to mothers infected by the Zika virus is the tip of the iceberg of what we could see in damaging effects on the brain and other developmental problems."

Zika is transmitted via mosquito bites and sexual contact, the CDC says.

The Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on March 18, 2016 that the first case of Zika virus in Connecticut was detected by its State Laboratory. According to DPH, the patient is 60-69 years old and traveled to a Zika-affected area. The patient’s illness was characterized by skin rash, conjunctivitis, fatigue, chills, headache, and muscle aches. The patient has been seen by a physician and is recovering.

Governor Malloy directed DPH to test for Zika virus in January and the DPH began testing for Zika virus on February 29, 2016.

“We encourage those concerned about symptoms to consult their doctor, particularly if they have traveled to an affected area and particularly if they are pregnant. We have been actively taking steps for months to prepare for a positive case, including expedited testing and a coordinated response across agencies. While the risk of transmission is low, we are nevertheless no doubt continuing that preparation to the extent that we can,” Governor Malloy said.

“I would urge all residents to avoid travel to affected countries, and if they must, to be vigilant. As we have previously said, a confirmed case was never a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’. Because of the preparatory steps we’ve taken previously, we are able to test more quickly and in-state,” DPH Commissioner Raul Pino said. “With hundreds of positive cases nationwide, across 34 states, I encourage residents to be vigilant. We at the state level are monitoring this case – and preparing for any future cases – with the utmost diligence.”

People can get the virus traveling to countries where mosquitos carry Zika or through sexual contact with someone who has become infected. No cases of mosquitos in the United States transmitting the virus have been reported.

You can see a full list of countries that the CDC has put under travel advisory here.

The center stressed that not all expecting mothers who get the virus will have children with birth defects. This exact rate, along with a host of other issues about the relatively new virus, still have yet to be determined.

"While one important question about causality has been answered, many questions remain," the CDC press release says.

"Answering these will be the focus of ongoing research to help improve prevention efforts, which ultimately may help reduce the effects of Zika virus infection during pregnancy."

The virus is relatively harmless for men or women who aren't pregnant. People with Zika can get a fever, rash or joint pain for a few days before it goes away.

Patch Editor Wendy Ann Mitchell contributed to this report

Image via flickr creative commons by Sanofi Pasteur