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Microcephaly, other birth defects are on the rise since Zika’s arrival

Zika-infected mothers are 20 times more likely to have babies with certain birth defects

stethoscope on a pregnant woman's belly

ZIKA BABIES   Zika infection during pregnancy substantially raises the risk that the baby will have certain birth defects, such as microcephaly and other brain deformations. A new CDC study quantifies that impact in the United States.

EmiliaUngur/shutterstock

By Laurel Hamers

- More than 2 years ago

Certain birth defects were 20 times more prevalent in babies born to Zika virus–infected mothers in the United States in 2016 as they were before the virus cropped up in the country.