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Zika virus confirmed to cause birth defects

Until now, although suspected, there had been no medical proof establishing a relationship between the mosquito-borne virus (Zika) and birth defects seen in Latin America.

Experiments by Swedish and Ethiopian scientists revealed that mosquitoes steer clear of homes which contain a live chicken suspended in a cage.

This is the first time; mosquitoes have been attributed to causing congenital birth defects.

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According to Tom Frieden, director of the CDC, the study was a significant breakthrough. “This study marks a turning point in the Zika outbreak.  It is now clear that the virus causes microcephaly.”

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Until now, undefined, there had been no medical proof establishing a relationship between the mosquito-borne virus and birth defects seen in Latin America.

Although the Zika virus does not cause major harm to most adults including pregnant women, it is their unborn children that are the most vulnerable. Tens of babies in countries such as Brazil have been born with defects such as microcephaly, which results in babies having unusually small heads.

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Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) also confirmed that Zika was also linked to the Guillain-Barre syndrome. According to the global health body, Guillain-Barre is “a rare condition in which a person’s immune system attacks their peripheral nerves.” The syndrome which can lead to paralysis is especially prevalent in adult males.

Although the Zika virus has not been detected in Africa, there is growing concern on the continent where malaria (which is also caused by mosquitoes) is rife.

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According to the Ghana Health Service, malaria tops OPD cases and kills three children every day in Ghana.

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