Zika Virus Update: Microcephaly Developed in One Twin While the Other is Normal, Both Now Under Experimental Studies

Lucas and Laura, the fraternal twin by Jacqueline Silva de Oliveira from Brazil are having their earliest challenge in life because of Zika virus. Laura is suffering from microcephaly while her brother Lucas seems to be normal. The babies are six months old.

Three kids in the US were born with Zika virus so far, none are twins. The Brazillian twin, with one who suffers from Microcephaly is a case that is very useful for the study of the virus because of the traces that can be found based on the scientific issue on the security of the other twin from Zika. Why is it that only the other twin has a shrunken head? How was the Zika virus contracted in this case? Any findings in this research will be very helpful to stop the spreading of the Virus in the US today.

Doctors proposed to examine the genes to determine the reason behind the partial infection of the Zika virus in the twin's case. Both Lucas and Laura are undergoing regular treatments from neurologists and physiotherapists. NYMag reports that, "São Paulo doctors are studying Lucas and Laura alongside four other sets of twins to see if there's a gene that protects some babies or another characteristic that increases infection risk...". Fraternal twins have their individual placentas while identical twins share one.

A person affected by Zika virus can only show symptoms of up to 20%, which seems to be unnoticeable. The connection to microcephaly is nonetheless the most troubling to scientists. Because of this, pregnant women are subjected to intensive research and are proponents of prevention campaigns against the terror of the Zika carrier mosquitoes.

Zika virus is not just a huge concern in the Carribbean and Latin America as its rapid damage has spread throughout the globe already. CDC is active in updating all US citizens and the world to make sure that everyone is warned to get protected. They have a guideline to fight Zika as approved by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Always be updated about Zika virus especially at the present condition of the rampant spread of the virus. To know more about the updates on the Zika Virus, keep up with the latest news and breakthroughs here in Parent Herald.