First baby with Zika-linked microcephaly in Europe born in Catalonia
Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron Hospital has seen the first birth in Europe of a baby with Zika-linked microcephaly. The new-born was born this Monday with a “low” cranial perimeter and has been hospitalised in a “correct and stable” condition. In May the health authorities reported to the family that the mother was infected and that the pregnancy was risky, but the parents decided to go ahead with the birth. 91 people infected with the Zika virus have been detected in Catalonia since the 1st of January, 24 man and 67 woman, 21 of which were pregnant at the time of diagnosis. 5 of them have already given birth, to healthy babes. All of the infected reported having been in South or Central America, in those areas where Zika is most active, and confirmed that they were bitten by mosquitoes during their stay.
Barcelona (CNA).- The first baby in Europe with Zika-linked microcephaly was born this Monday at Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron Hospital. This is the first case reported in Europe. The baby was born with a “low” cranial perimeter and has been hospitalised in a “correct and stable” condition. Although responsible for neonatal care at Vall d’Hebron Hopistal, Fèlix del Castillo, refused to name any further consequences for the baby’s health, and explained that the microcephaly means that the baby’s brain “hasn’t grown” and that it therefore “won’t function properly”. The baby’s quality of life will be much affected by this microcephaly and he will be “quite dependant on carers and health services”, explained del Castillo. However, the new-born’s life expectancy shouldn’t be affected.
It was a caesarean birth carried out without any major complications, the obstetrician responsible at Vall d’Hebron Hopistal, Elena Carreras, explained. The mother, who was reported as being Zika-infected in May, was also in a stable condition.
The health authorities have repeatedly reminded that Zika virus is mostly spread by an Aedes mosquito bite. It provokes light or moderate fever, skin rashes which may extend from the face to the rest of the body, arthritis or temporary arthralgia, conjunctivitis and other unspecific symptoms such as headache, fatigue or myalgia. According to the authorities, most of the cases tend to be resolved without any major complications. Moreover, most of the infections are asymptomatic and only 1 out of 4 cases actually develops the disease.