Zikavirus affects increasing numbers of babies Brazil

- In Brazil, the number of reports of infants rise with the condition microcephaly. Since October last year so far recorded nearly 3900 suspected cases, as revealed Thursday to figures released by the health authorities.

Microcephaly in infants can be recognized by an abnormally small head. The brains are not well developed and often therefore, there is a learning disability. The condition is caused by the Zika virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes that occur in tropical and subtropical areas. The same mosquito, Aedes aegypti, also spreads dengue (dengue).

The outbreak in Brazil is as far the largest ever recorded worldwide. In other South American countries, including Suriname, the virus haunts.

Especially pregnant women in affected areas should try to avoid mosquito bites. For adults Zika rather annoying than dangerous. Symptoms include fever, headache and rash.

The virus was discovered in 1947 in Uganda and Tanzania.