CP114720489
FILE - In this April 26, 2016 file photo, an Aedes aegypti mosquito is seen through a microscope at Colombia\'s National Institute of Health in Bogota, Colombia. Colombian authorities on Monday, July 25, 2016 declared an end to the Zika epidemic in the South American nation, the second-hardest hit in the region from the mosquito-borne virus. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara, File)

Honduras reports 8 babies born with Zika-related defects

MEXICO CITY – Honduras’ health minister says eight babies with severe birth defects linked to the Zika virus have been born in the Central American country.

Dr. Yolani Batres said Tuesday at a news conference that five of the babies with microcephaly were born this week.

Batres says there are 493 known cases of pregnant women who have been infected with the Zika virus in Honduras.

Zika is mostly spread by mosquitoes, but cases of sexual transmission have also occurred. Some women who contract it during their pregnancies have given birth to babies with microcephaly, which leads to babies with abnormally small heads and improperly developed brains.

The Pan-American Health Organization confirmed that through July 14, Honduras had not reported a case of microcephaly linked to Zika.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles