Connection Between the Zika Virus and Birth Defects

As the Zika virus continues to spread, pregnant women begin to worry whether or not the virus causes birth defects to infants. The Zika virus was first found in Brazil during May of 2015 and ever since then, researchers have looked into the connection between the Zika virus and other birth defects. Researchers linked Zika infections with microcephlay, a condition where infants are born with undersized heads. It is unknown whether or not a significant link exists between the two, however; doctors agree that the Zika virus contains a lot of parallels with microcephaly. Researchers are also linking viruses such as rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus (type of herpesvirus) with Zika.

In the mid-1900s, outbreaks of rubella led to waves of birth defects, however, vaccinations were produced to eliminate diseases and spreading viruses. In the United States, vaccinations have significantly reduced the amount of viruses in the country. One doctor, Dr. David W. Kimberlin, stated “I’m 52, and I’ve seen one case of congenital rubella syndrome” which proves how vaccines have impacted viruses in the United States. However, viruses are a huge threat for developing countries that do not have the technology and medicine to protect their citizens.

Scientists in Brazil are comparing brain damage in babies caused by the Zika virus with known effects of cytomegalovirus and rubella. Doctors have observed that their findings are different and that the virus caused more damage to the brain than any other part of the body. Doctors have hypothesized that the viruses infected the fetus at early stages of development which caused disruption to cells in the brain.

Doctors and researchers have learned how much viruses can affect fetal health and how important it is to conduct research to eliminate viruses and future diseases. It is important to continue observing the connections between Zika and other viruses with hopes to find a solution.

Read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/09/science/zika-virus-microcephaly-birth-defects-rubella-cytomegalovirus.html