Apart From Microcephaly, The Zika Virus Could Also Cause Mental Health Problems In Babies

Apart From Microcephaly, The Zika Virus Could Also Cause Mental Health Problems In Babies

Zika has been linked to microcephaly.

The Zika virus spreading across Brazil and other South American countries has been linked to microcephaly, a birth defect in babies that results in a smaller head and an underdeveloped brain. As of now, health agencies are still conducting studies to confirm whether or not microcephaly is a direct consequence of the Zika virus, or if it is caused by some other factor entirely.

But it may even cause mental illnesses in babies.

Health experts warn that microcephaly is the most visible consequence of the Zika infection, however these babies may also be at a greater risk for mental health problems later on in life, if their mothers were infected by the Zika virus during pregnancy. 

The Zika virus closely resembles other infectious agents that have been associated with the spread of conditions like autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These conditions actually have no single cause – they are brought about by a combination of factors that include genetic markers and traumatic events like physical or sexual abuse, drug use and abandonment. However, in utero infections serve as triggers for these conditions, which is why the Zika virus could be even more harmful than what is currently believed.