Brazil confirmed 122 Zika-related microcephaly cases
Since the beginning of investigations, 6,671 suspected cases of microcephaly have been reported in Brazil, most in the Northeast region
The total number of confirmed microcephaly cases and other central nervous system malformations, suggesting congenital infection, reached 907 in Brazil. The Health Ministry still investigates 4,293 suspected microcephaly cases and 1,471 were dismissed.
Of the total confirmed cases, 122 were positive for Zika virus. However, the Health Ministry points out that this figure does not accurately represent the total number of cases related to the virus. "The ministry considers that most mothers who had babies with a final diagnosis of microcephaly were infected by Zikr4a," says the ministry.
Since the beginning of investigations, 6,671 suspected cases of microcephaly have been reported, most in the Northeast region (5,270 cases, equivalent to 79%).
Until March 19, 198 deaths suspecting microcephaly or other central nervous system malformations after birth or during pregnancy were recorded. Of these deaths, 46 were positive for microcephaly or other central nervous system malformations, 130 are still under investigation, and 22 were dismissed for the disease. Microcephaly can have various infectious causes other than Zika, including syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, viral herpes among others.
Translated by Amarílis Anchieta
Fonte: Brazil confirmed 122 Zika-related microcephaly cases
