Cape Verde records first case of microcephaly

Cape Verde has recorded its first case of microcephaly, a disorder which leads to babies being born with small heads and undeveloped brains.

According to the country’s Health Ministry, a baby was born with the birth defect which is suspected to be linked to the Zika virus on March 14th.

Cape Verde reports microcephaly case possibly linked to Zika virus https://t.co/s7H9JTMimC

— The Guardian (@guardian) March 16, 2016

The archipelago nation off the northwest coast of Africa had been observing 100 pregnant women who are infected with the mosquito borne Zika virus. But the new mother was not among those been monitored.

The country has over 7,000 cases of Zika in the latest epidemic that has seen Brazil investigate over 4,000 suspected cases of microcephaly.

Much-remains unknown about the virus and whether it is the main factor behind microcephaly.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared the virus a global emergency and anticipates it will affect as many as 4 million people.

Q: What is #ZikaVirus?
A: https://t.co/3Fq6lJSQpzpic.twitter.com/3cUlnQgloR

— WHO (@WHO) March 16, 2016