birth defects - NewBostonPost

public health

Zika infection late in pregnancy didn’t produce defects in study

NEW YORK (AP) — Women infected with the Zika virus late in their pregnancies had babies with no apparent birth defects, according to a study in Colombia that seems to confirm that the greatest risk to infants comes early in pregnancy. But the study also found troubling cases of severe birth

health

World Health agency advises delaying pregnancy over Zika risk

Millions of couples in 46 countries where the Zika virus may pose a risk have been warned to avoid getting pregnant, according to an updated report from the World Health Organization. The virus is thought to cause birth defects like microcephaly, which prevents the growth of a baby's

Massachusetts

Fourth Zika case is confirmed in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. – A fourth victim of the Zika virus has cropped up in New Hampshire, including two pregnant women, Granite State health officials have confirmed, according to several reports Tuesday. Almost 200 people have been tested for the mosquito-borne illness which has been linked to birth defects when contracted

epidemic

Zika virus is ‘spreading explosively,’ UN health chief says

GENEVA (AP) — Declaring that the Zika virus is "spreading explosively," the World Health Organization announced it will hold an emergency meeting of independent experts Monday to decide if the outbreak should be declared an international health emergency. At a special meeting Thursday in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret