What effect does the Zika virus have on babies?

Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly(https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html). During pregnancy, a baby's head grows because the baby's brain grows. read more

Federal health officials have confirmed the Zika virus can cause microcephaly (babies born with a small head) and other brain and physical abnormalities in infants. Because the Zika virus can affected the fetus' developing brain and cause long-lasting negative consequences, prevention is critical. read more

Zika virus has been detected in fetal tissue, amniotic fluid, full-term infants, and in the placenta, according to ACOG, and trace amounts of the virus have also been found in breast milk, but because the amount is tiny, it's unlikely to pose a threat. read more

Current CDC research suggests that GBS is strongly associated with Zika; however, only a small proportion of people with recent Zika virus infection get GBS. Microcephaly & Other Birth Defects Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects. read more