Bolivia has detected its first three cases of microcephaly caused by the Zika virus, local media reported Wednesday, citing health authorities.
Bolivia reports first 3 virus-linked microcephaly cases
The eastern region had registered 127 cases of Zika, including 57 pregnant women -- 16 of whom have yet to give birth
"Zika is here to stay in Bolivia for a number of years," said local health official Roberto Torrez
Recommended articles
Two babies were born with the birth defect in September and a third in October, said the director of the public health service for the department of Santa Cruz, Aida Aguilera, quoted by local newspaper El Dia de Santa Cruz.
She said the eastern region had registered 127 cases of Zika, including 57 pregnant women -- 16 of whom have yet to give birth.
"Zika is here to stay in Bolivia for a number of years," said local health official Roberto Torrez.
ADVERTISEMENT
Zika is blamed for causing microcephaly -- or an abnormally small head size -- in babies born to infected mothers.
The World Health Organization declared an international public health emergency in February over the link between the virus and the debilitating neurological disorder.
Zika, which is mainly mosquito-borne but can also be sexually transmitted, has swept much of Latin America since first being detected in Brazil last year.
Bolivia confirmed in January that the virus was being locally transmitted there. Santa Cruz department declared a "red alert" in March over a surge in cases.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Forgive me my papa - Self-acclaimed Hausa traditional ruler kneels to beg Oba of Benin
Fubara grows Rivers IGR by over 100%, less than 1 year after Wike's tenure
Plateau University suspends exams over killing of student
Nigeria laughing stock of the rest of the world due to insecurity - TY Danjuma
APC group claims Tinubu’s initiatives stimulating economic recovery
Plateau Gov urges calm after attack that led to death of 200-level PLASU student
NAFDAC reopens popular Ibadan supermarket shut for selling unregistered product
Gov Adeleke lavished with praise for providing water, sanitation facilities
CSO inaugurates campaign to combat electoral irregularities, promote reforms
Pulse Sports
Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami
Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe
Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
