First case of malformation caused by Zika virus confirmed in Spain

The first case of a fetus suffering a malformation as a result of infection by the Zika Virus in Spain was confirmed on Friday.

The case was reported by the Regional Health Authority in the region of Galicia in the north-west of the country.

Spanish media reported that the mother was infected by the virus in a visit to Venezuela during the eighth week of her pregnancy and was confirmed to have suffered the illness in April.

Early tests on the fetus failed to show any problems, but a second series of tests in the 19th week of her pregnancy showed the baby had suffered "important abnormalities in the central nervous system," while also detecting the virus in the mother's amniotic fluid.

The pregnancy was terminated in the 21st week and further investigations showed the fetus had suffered congenital arthrogryposis as well as water on the brain and cerebral micro-calcification.

The latest figures published by the Spanish Health Ministry at the start of the week show that 145 Zika cases have been detected in Spain. All of these 145 cases, including 20 pregnant women are of people who were infected while visiting a country (normally in Latin America) where the virus is prevalent. Endit