Zika Virus Update: 5 New York Babies Born With Microcephaly And Other Brain Abnormalities, Moms Have Tested Positive Of Zika Virus

Five babies in New York City were born with Zika-related symptoms since Julys after moms were tested positive for the virus known as Zika virus, the health department of the city announced on Wednesday, Dec. 7. The infants have been reported to get 'congenital Zika virus syndrome,' that contains range of issues such as eye ad brain abnormalities, neurologic and tendons impairment, hardened or shortened muscles and microcephaly. Health officials promised parents to connect them to any available services just to enhance and improve the quality life of their infected babies.

"Today's news is a reminder that Zika continues to be a threat to pregnant women and their babies," The New York Times quoted Dr. Mary T. Bassett, the health commissioner of New York City, as saying. She added that they are closely following all infants born to moms who test positive for the virus.

On Wednesday, Dec. 8, officials from New York City Department of Health announced that a total of five births in the city have Zika-related symptoms starting the month of July. The symptoms seen in the babies include brain damage and abnormalities in brain formation such as microcephaly.

Infant born with microcephaly can get a variety of other issues, depending on the extent of their microcephaly. It has been associated with developmental delay, seizures, issues with speech, balance, and movements, vision and hearing loss, and feeding issues.

As of Dec. 2, the officials said a total of 962 residents in the city have tested positive for the virus, including a number of 325 pregnant women, the Fox News has learned. Six cases were reported got acquired through sex contact while the rest were linked with traveling to places affected by the virus.

Today, doctors were urged to stay watchful as well as to continue warn pregnant women not to go to areas where there's active transmission of ZIka virus. The five babies born with Zika-related defects will be connected to available services in order to improve their quality of life.