Zika Virus Puts New Focus On Microcephaly
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — As the Zika virus spreads, more attention is being put on a birth defect that affects as many as 12 in every 10,000 babies born in the United States.
Dr. Dean Blumberg with UC Davis Children's Hospital says when a baby is born with a small head, there is less room for the brain, which can lead to a host of problems.
"The vast majority of these children born with microcephaly are going to suffer permanent neurological damage," he said ."It can affect language, some of these children may not be able to communicate, it might affect their hearing and their sight. They may be blind from this. It may affect their motor development, so they may not be able to walk or reach or grab some things or feed themselves."
Children with microcephaly are also at risk for issues such as facial distortion, short stature, seizures and cerebral palsy.
"There are some children who are born with microcephaly and they do have normal neurodevelopment outcomes. It's a bit of a surprise because you think smaller head equals smaller brain," he said.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 12 out of every 10,000 babies are born with microcephaly in the United States. It can be detected by ultrasound around the 28th week of pregnancy.
"I think people need to be aware of the public health risk," he said, referring to the Zika virus. "That things can change on a dime. So, pay attention to the news, pay attention to the [World Health Organization] and the CDC advisories."
