Nicaragua has first Zika-related case of microcephaly

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Officials in Nicaragua say the first baby with the birth defect of microcephaly has been born to a mother infected with the Zika virus.

Government spokeswoman and first lady Rosario Murillo said Friday evening that the baby was born in the capital of Managua. Health officials had been tracking the woman since confirming that during the fourth month of her pregnancy she showed rash and fever symptoms. Doctors did not test her for Zika at that time.

Ultrasounds later suggested the baby had microcephaly, characterized by a small head and a brain that is not fully developed The child was born very underweight, weighing less than 4 pounds.

Murillo says the mother and baby are in stable condition.

Neighbouring Guatemala announced its first Zika-related microcephaly case earlier this month.

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