The World Health Organization (WHO) is feared the microcephaly could be diagnosed to more than 2,500 babies in Brazil if the country's current situation on Zika virus continues.
According to WHO, vaccines and measures to control the mosquitoes will be crucial in fighting Zika. This is due to 50 percent of world's population living in the areas that are inhabited by Aedes aegypti, one of the mosquito types carrying the virus, Live Science reported.
"In less than a year, the status of Zika has changed from a mild medical curiosity to a disease with severe public health implications," said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO director-general.
Around 39 percent of all the infants that are suspected of having microcephaly in the country were confirmed to have the condition. The doctors have made these diagnoses by analyzing the infants' brains through CT scan which confirmed 863 cases.
Around 4,300 more infants located at the northeastern part of Brazil are currently suspected to have microcephaly. If this percentage rate continues, more than 2,500 of those infants are going to be diagnosed with microcephaly in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the United States health officials remind healthcare workers to use standard protective gear during childbirth to keep the newborn from being infected with Zika virus. Although the virus spreads through mosquito bites, Zika has been detected in body fluids such as urine, saliva, amniotic fluid and blood several cases of sexual transmission were also recorded, as reported by Fox News.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests observing standard infection precautions at all times, whether Zika virus is confirmed or suspected, since most people that are infected with Zika so not have symptoms.
These procedures include the use of masks, double gloves and other personal protective equipment, frequent hand washing, safe injection practices and safe handling of potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment.
