Misperceived Risks of Zika-related Microcephaly in India

Trends Microbiol. 2019 May;27(5):381-383. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.02.004. Epub 2019 Feb 27.

Abstract

After the discovery that Zika virus (ZIKV) could cause microcephaly and other birth defects, we have scrambled to understand how. Now, spreading along with the virus is misinformation that a ZIKV mutation is responsible for microcephaly. Putting too much onus on a single mutation could enhance a crisis in India.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Microcephaly / epidemiology
  • Microcephaly / psychology*
  • Microcephaly / virology*
  • Mutation
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / psychology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / virology
  • Risk Factors
  • Zika Virus / genetics
  • Zika Virus Infection / complications
  • Zika Virus Infection / epidemiology
  • Zika Virus Infection / psychology*