Zika virus 'does cause birth defects'
Conclusion
The scientists say that, on balance, "we suggest that sufficient evidence has accumulated" to say that Zika is the cause of the current spike of microcephaly cases.
They add that researchers, "have been unable to identify alternative hypotheses" for the increase in microcephaly.
How does Zika and microcephaly affect you?
Public health advice about Zika virus has not changed. At present, Zika virus is thought to be transmitted by mosquitoes in the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Pacific Islands, Vietnam, the Philippines and Cape Verde. See an updated list here.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) recommends that pregnant women should continue to avoid travelling to areas where Zika is actively spreading.
For more information and advice, read our page on the Zika virus.
Links To The Headlines
US health experts confirm that Zika causes birth defects. BBC News, April 13 2016
Zika virus confirmed as cause of microcephaly birth defect, CDC says. The Guardian, April 13 2016
Zika virus DEFINITELY causes the birth defect microcephaly, CDC says. Mail Online, April 13 2016
Links To Science Rasmussen SA, Jamieson DJ, Honein MA, Petersen LR. Zika Virus and Birth Defects – Reviewing the Evidence for Causality. The New England Journal of Medicine. Published online April 13 2016
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Pregnancy/child QA articles Source Type: news
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