Based on established scientific criteria, scientists at the U.S. CDC conducted a careful review of existing research and agreed that the evidence was conclusive, said Tom Frieden, director of the U.S. agency.
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Zika is a rapidly spreading, mosquito-borne virus that is linked to severe birth defects, including microcephaly, or small heads, in infants born to women with Zika.
The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes, the CDC said.
The World Health Organization made similar statements recently and an official applauded the CDC report.
On Monday, US health officials warned the Zika outbreak could have more of an effect on the United States and called for additional funding to combat the virus. The virus is spread through mosquito bites.
Two Clark County residents – a man who traveled to Guatemala and a woman who visited Brazil – were previously confirmed to have Zika virus disease.
CDC officials have been warning pregnant women to use mosquito repellent, avoid travelling to Zika-stricken regions and either abstain from sex or rely on condoms. In over 40 countries, babies have been born with abnormal skulls, yet until today, scientists had not reached a consensus. “But there is no longer any doubt that Zika causes microcephaly”.
“Never before in history has there been a situation where a bite from a mosquito can result in a devastating malformation”. Another 15 cases remain under analysis while 16 cases have been ruled out for any relation to the virus. Dr. Eric J. Rubin, an infectious disease specialist at Harvard, feels that the CDC can concentrate on action instead of trying to confirm the link. Some travelers to areas with Zika will become infected while traveling but will not become sick until they return home and they might not have any symptoms.
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Some 70,000 clinical cases of Zika have been reported to date in Colombia, and as many as 200,000 cases are expected before the epidemic peaks. The virus can be transmitted by sexual contact as well.
