In:

The Lancet

Authors:

Cesar Gomes Victora, Lavinia Schuler-Faccini, Alicia Matijasevich, Erlane Ribeiro, André Pessoa, Fernando Celso Barros

Brazil is facing its fi rst outbreak of Zika virus, particularly in the northeast region. Most cases of Zika virus infection are self-limited and without sequelae, but there have been clusters of cases of microcephaly in some areas of known Zika virus transmission. Although strongly suspected, the causal relation between in-utero exposure to Zika and microcephaly is yet to be established. The increased number of microcephaly cases in Brazil has led to a high level of concern among pregnant women throughout the country. On Feb 1, 2016, WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee advised that the clusters of microcephaly and other neurological disorders and their possible association with Zika virus constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.1

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