Researchers have recently discovered the Zika virus in a second mosquito species known as the “Asian Tiger” mosquito, (formally named Aedes albopictus). The species stretches much further north into the United States than the previously known Zika carrying Aedes aegypti species, as stated in the April 21 “Zika – Epidemiological Update” report issued by Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization.. / AFP PHOTO /
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AFP) — El Salvador on Tuesday confirmed its first case of microcephaly in a baby that was linked to a Zika infection in the mother.
Microcephaly is a birth defect that causes an abnormally small head and deformed brain.
Health Minister Violeta Menjivar said the infant was born in April to a family living in the country’s central La Paz province, and the Zika connection was proved “a short while ago.”
Zika, a virus typically carried by mosquitos, was first detected in the Central American country in November and 10,476 cases of infection have been recorded.
Among them, the health ministry counted 274 pregnant women suspected to have been infected with Zika. Of those, 118 gave birth to babies without microcephaly.
Menjivar noted that cases of babies with microcephaly believed caused by Zika have also occurred in countries including Brazil, Colombia, Martinique, Panama, Puerto Rico and the United States.
Abortion is illegal in El Salvador, a predominantly Christian country.
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