Three babies born with small heads found in Thailand

BANGKOK, Sept 24 (TNA) – Three babies born with abnormally small heads have been reported in Thailand but not yet confirmed that they are linked to the Zika virus, according to the Public Health Ministry’s Department of Disease Control. Department’s director-general Amnuay Gajeena said the public health officials are investigating if the three newborns with small heads are linked to the spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in the country. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect called microcephaly, and disrupt fetal brain development. MD Amnuay said experts will again discuss the matter during a meeting as such a birth defect can be caused by other factors. Also, the three cases were reported outside areas where the Zika virus is spreading, and not on the list of Zika-infected pregnant women. The Public Health Ministry has confirmed 33 cases of Zika infection among local pregnant women. Of the total, eight babies were born with no birth defect reported. (TNA)