The Health Department issued yesterday a Health Alert informing health care providers that four additional babies have been born with congenital Zika virus syndrome in New York City since the Department announced the first case of Zika-related microcephaly in July.
In total, the Department has identified five infants with congenital Zika virus syndrome. Eight additional infants in New York City have tested positive for Zika virus, but have not shown evidence of congenital Zika virus syndrome.
Babies born with congenital Zika virus syndrome can have an array of health problems, including microcephaly (head smaller than normal), brain and eye abnormalities, shortened or hardened muscles and tendons and neurologic impairment. Since January 2016, more than 200 infants have been born to women with Zika virus infection during pregnancy in New York City. The Health Department is following these infants for the first year of life to assess the effect of the mother’s Zika infection on the infant.
Children with birth abnormalities who were suspected of having a developmental delay, and continue to reside in New York City have access to the City’s Early Intervention Program. This program assists families in identifying appropriate therapeutic and education services for their child.
As of December 2nd, 8,000 New Yorkers have been tested for Zika virus. Of them, 962 New Yorkers have tested positive, including 325 pregnant women (92 of whom have confirmed Zika virus infection, while the rest have laboratory findings suggestive, but not definitely positive for the virus). All cases were associated with travel. Of these travel-associated cases, six were transmitted sexually.
“Today’s news is a reminder that Zika continues to be a threat to pregnant women and their babies. As we enter the holiday season, we urge all pregnant women in New York City, those who might become pregnant, and their male sexual partners not to visit places where there is active Zika virus transmission,” said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “We are closely following all babies born to mothers who test positive for Zika infection and will connect parents to available services to improve their child’s quality of life.”
Photo Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilites
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