Resource: Zika Virus: Protecting Pregnant Women & Babies

 

Zika virus infection (Zika) during pregnancy can cause damage to the brain, microcephaly, and congenital Zika syndrome, a pattern of conditions in the baby that includes brain abnormalities, eye defects, hearing loss, and limb defects. In 2016, 44 states reported cases of pregnant women with evidence of Zika. The April issue of VitalSigns from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discusses the Zika problem and what can be done by public health agencies to help prevent it.