Dangerous epidemic in Brazil Already 57 babies died of the Zika virus

Deadly microcephaly: Already 57 babies have died from the Zika virus
The dangerous Zika virus, which has been spreading in South and Central America for months, can cause neonatal skull malformations, according to scientists. In Brazil, nearly 1,300 cases of microcephaly have been reported in babies since the epidemic began, with at least 57 babies dying from the severe defect.

Virus can cause neonatal skull malformations
For months, the mosquito-borne Zika virus has been spreading in several Latin American countries. Chance of the pathogen was brought by travelers in other regions of the world. In the past few months, at least 20 people in Germany have been diagnosed with Zika infections. The pathogen is especially dangerous for the unborn. He is suspected of being able to cause cranial deformities in newborns. In this developmental peculiarity, called microcephaly, babies are born with an unusually small head, which can lead to brain malformations, which usually leads to mental retardation. According to health experts, the virus can also cause the serious nerve disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome.

For months, the dangerous Zika virus has spread in Latin American countries. The pathogen may appear to cause skull malformations in newborns. In Brazil, 57 babies have already died. (Image: jarun011 / fotolia.com)

At least 57 babies have already died
Scientists in Rio de Janeiro have now been able to demonstrate a link between the infections with skull malformations. Particularly affected is Brazil, where the number of Zika infections is estimated at 1.5 million. The news agency AFP reports that since the outbreak of the Zika epidemic in October last year, the country has recorded 1,271 cases of microcephaly in babies. According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, at least 57 babies died of the serious defect, with a further 178 deaths, a connection is suspected. In Brazil, there are usually around 150 cases of microcephaly each year.

Be examined after a tropical journey
The Hamburg Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) is currently the only Zika reference laboratory in Germany. The experts advise anyone returning from a tropical journey who has typical symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, and non-purulent conjunctivitis of the eye to undergo a laboratory test. Pregnant female returnees and male returnees with pregnant sexual partners should also be tested if they come back from an epidemic area but have no symptoms, according to a statement from the institute. The Berlin Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have collected important information on the Zika virus on their websites. (Ad)