New York health officials have announced the birth of the city’s first microcephalic child. The mother was reportedly infected during a trip to one of the countries affected by the epidemic.
It is New York’s turn to be confronted with the ravages of the Zika virus. This Friday, health authorities announced the birth of the first child with microcephaly in this city on the east coast of the United States.
At a press conference, health officials said the Zika virus was found in the blood of the newborn. The mother was reportedly infected during a trip to one of the 60 countries and territories affected by the Zika epidemic. However, the health authorities did not specify which one, or whether the woman had been diagnosed during her pregnancy and whether she was receiving specific follow-up because of the Zika virus infection. “We are closely monitoring the baby’s health and connecting the family with the appropriate services to care for the child,” said Dr. Mary Bassett, New York City Commissioner of Health.
For the doctor, this case of microcephaly should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks the Zika virus is a theoretical threat. “I remind all pregnant New York women, and those trying to get pregnant, to postpone their trip to areas where the virus is transmitted. As we see today, the consequences for the child can be devastating, ”she insisted.
About ten cases in the United States
During the press briefing, the health authorities recalled that the virus is transmitted by the bite of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, present in South America and in the southern states of the United States. The risk of sexual transmission was also raised. More than ten cases of transmission during sexual intercourse have been reported in the United States over the past year.
“The city has been preparing for this scenario for several months now, and we are ready to help families with a child with microcephaly,” added Dr. Herminia Palacio, Deputy Mayor of New York in charge of health.
As of July 14, 778 pregnant women living in the United States or in the American territories have been infected with the Zika virus. Since spring 2015, 12 children have been born with a birth defect, including microcephaly and 7 miscarriages have been reported.
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