Zika Birth Defects Risk Rate Climbs To 13 Percent

The Zika virus threat among unborn babies is continuously climbing. A recent study revealed that the risk rate for unborn kids has surged to about 13 percent.

Entitled "Zika and the Risk of Microcephaly," the research studied and analyzed data from Brazil, where there is a surge of Zika virus cases. It was found that the microcephaly rate is between 1 and 13 percent. This is alarming compared to the statistics in the US which is at 0.2 to .12 percent.

400 microcephaly cases

Authors of the study looked into the 400 cases of microcephaly in Brazil from July to February. They explained that there are thousands of cases of infants with microcephaly or abnormally small heads accompanied with brain damage. This birth defect is highly associated with the spread of Zika virus especially in Latin American countries.

The Verge said the study was exclusive to Brazil as other nearby countries did not show increased microcephaly risk rates. Researchers, however, said that what is happening in Brazil could also threaten other countries.

In 2015, Zika started spreading in Latin America and has now reached about 40 countries in different continents. The virus is feared mostly because of its effect to pregnant women and the children they are carrying.

Globally feared disease

According to CBC News, Zika has caused the deaths of more than 1,000 children in different countries. Though it is considered a mild and short ailment, the effects its brings to pregnant moms and unborn kids are worse.

Zika has since then developed into a disease feared by the global community. The numbers have also surged since an outbreak happened in the French Polynesia three years ago.

Officials in Brazil are growing more concerned since the Rio Olympics is scheduled to happen in August. They have expressed fears that the virus could spread fast during this time since it is also the start of the mosquito season.