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Zika

What is Microcephaly in a new born baby?

What is Microcephaly in a new born baby?

As the Florida Department of Health has confirmed the first case of Microcephaly with a Haitian national who came to give birth in Florida, many people are asking what is it exactly.

"Microcephaly "is an abnormal smallness of the head, a congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development. It is a rare nervous system disorder for which the brain does not grow at a normal pace, the skull doesn't, either. Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of genetic (Congenital Microcephaly) and environmental factors (Acquired Microcephaly). Congenital Microcephaly is passed down through families, caused by defects in genes linked to early brain development. While the latter, or Acquired Microcephaly occurs when the baby is in the womb and fell prey of certain infections Like Rubella, Zika, Toxoplasmosis, or Cytomegalovirus or severe malnutrition or exposure to harmful substances, such as alcohol, toxic chemicals, or certain drugs. Children with Microcephaly in some cases have developmental issues, mild to significant learning disabilities, speech delays, or impaired motor functions, but there are many who do not experience any difficulty at all. Microcephaly is a relatively rare disease affecting about 25,000 children in the U.S. each year.

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Zika virus infection alert in Haiti

Zika virus infection alert in Haiti

An alert for Zika virus infection in Haiti

The symptoms of Zika fever are similar but milder to Dengue fever or Chikungunya. Recently, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has circulated an Epidemiological Alert in the Americas. The sample specimens of Aedes and other mosquitoes responsible for the epidemic were collected by the Haitian Epidemiology Department and sent for testing to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago-- but those were found negative. No evidence of Zika fever has been found in Haiti. However, as a preventive measure, the Haitian Ministry of Health has decided to maintain its regular surveillance. It has directed health service providers to report immediately, if they ever notice any patient with symptoms of Zika fevers. There is no antiviral treatment of Zika fever, only the symptoms can be lessened by treatments.

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