HOUSTON – The news Wednesday that an infant in Harris County was diagnosed with microcephaly at birth has many asking what microcephaly is.
Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby's head is much smaller than expected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Microcephaly can happen because a baby's brain is not developing during pregnancy, or has stopped growing after birth.
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Severe conditions of microcephaly can be more serious and need treatment to manage other health problems.
Microcephaly is a lifelong condition, and there is no known cure or treatment.
The causes of microcephaly in most babies is unknown, but the Zika virus has been linked to the birth defect.
Estimates from state tracking systems suggest that microcephaly ranges from 2 babies per 10,000 live births to about 12 babies per 10,000 live births in the U.S.
More information from CDC.gov below:
Babies with microcephaly can have a range of other problems, depending on how severe their microcephaly is. Microcephaly has been linked with the following problems:
- Seizures
- Developmental delay, such as problems with speech or other developmental milestones (like sitting, standing, and walking)
- Intellectual disability (decreased ability to learn and function in daily life)
- Problems with movement and balance
- Feeding problems, such as difficulty swallowing
- Hearing loss
- Vision problems
- These problems can range from mild to severe and are often lifelong. Because the baby’s brain is small and underdeveloped, babies with severe microcephaly can have more of these problems, or have more difficulty with them, than babies with milder microcephaly. Severe microcephaly also can be life-threatening. Because it is difficult to predict at birth what problems a baby will have from microcephaly, babies with microcephaly often need close follow-up through regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor their growth and development.
Some babies have microcephaly because of changes in their genes. Other causes of microcephaly, including severe microcephaly, can include the following exposures during pregnancy:
- Certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus
- Severe malnutrition, meaning a lack of nutrients or not getting enough food
- Exposure to harmful substances, such as alcohol, certain drugs, or toxic chemicals
- Interruption of the blood supply to the baby’s brain during development
- Some babies with microcephaly have been reported among mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Researchers are studying the possible link between Zika virus infection and microcephaly.
Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of the Aedes species mosquito. According to the CDC, symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and joint-pain, lasting several days to a week. Zika can also be transmitted sexually.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers to areas where the Zika virus is found should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Pregnant women should avoid traveling to Zika-affected areas, the CDC said.
Visit www.hcphtx.org and www.cdc.gov to learn more about the Zika virus.
