The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now confirming the Zika virus in pregnant women can cause babies to have abnormally small heads (and therefore, brains).
CDC Director Tom Frieden says it’s now clear that the Zika virus does cause the birth defect known as microcephaly.
Frieden also said this is the first time in history that a mosquito bite has been seen as the cause of birth defects. And don’t forget, Zika can also be sexually transmitted.
As for the threat in the U.S., the mosquitoes that spread the virus are now present in about 30 states, however, Zika has not yet been found in those insects.
So far, the latest numbers show there have been around 350 travel associated cases reported in the U.S.
The White House is pressuring Congress to approve close to $2 billion in funding for Zika preparedness for expediting a vaccine and treatment.
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