Zika Virus Latest News & Updates: New Colombian Study Reveals No Connection Between Zika Infection And Microcephaly

Experts have already warned about the potential effects of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed Zika virus is linked to severe fetal brain defects such as microcephaly, as well as Guillain-Barre syndrome and other neurological complications.

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, however, showed that there were no microcephaly cases found among almost 12,000 pregnant women who tested positive for Zika virus infections. This finding was in contrast to the burgeoning confirmed cases of microcephaly in Brazil, where over 1,500 cases have been documented.

No Connection Between Zika Virus And Microcephaly?

Due to the nonexistent cases of microcephaly among Zika virus-infected pregnant women in Colombia, the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI) in the United States said the missing cases could spark "serious" inquiries regarding the assumptions on the connection between microcephaly and Zika virus infections. The study also highlighted the pregnancy cases of Zika virus-infected women who showed no symptoms at all, Business Standard notes.

Even though there have been almost 50 microcephaly cases in Colombia, only four of which have been linked to Zika virus infection. Hence, NECSI has urged experts to reassess the cases in Brazil for the possibility that a pesticide used to kill mosquitoes could be responsible for the birth defects in the nation.

Pyriproxyfen Causing Microcephaly, Not Zika Virus?

Speaking of a pesticide, NECSI emphasized the significance of reevaluating the Zika cases in Brazil since a pesticide called pyriproxyfen is known to cause microcephaly as it cross-reacts with retinoic acid. In fact, pyriproxyfen is commonly placed in drinking water in some parts of the country to kill mosquito larvae carrying the Zika virus.

How Zika Virus Affects The Burgeoning Demand For Self-Induced Abortions In Latin America

In other Zika virus-related news, the Zika virus outbreak in Latin America has reportedly sparked an increasing demand for abortion pills purchased online. According to Vox, a new study that was also published in the New England Journal of Medicine displayed the burgeoning number of women who are opting "extralegal" ways to terminate their pregnancies.

Jamaican Olympian Kemar Bailey-Cole Infected With Zika Virus?

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Jamaican Olympic hopeful Kemar Bailey-Cole reportedly claimed to have been tested positive for Zika virus infection. As said by the athlete, he found out about his condition after a lump was found on his neck, BBC News reports.

"I didn't know I had the virus and I have been training with it for three days now," Bailey-Cole told the Jamaica Gleaner.

Bailey-Cole's Zika virus diagnosis came ahead of the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics this August. Due to the fears over Zika, several athletes have reportedly withdrawn from the event, including golfer Rory McIlroy, Daily Mail learns.

Do you believe there's really a connection between Zika virus and microcephaly? Share your thoughts below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.