The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recently sent an alert to doctors, announcing the birth of at least four children in New York City with Zika-related brain issues since July. The four births bring the total number of babies born with these issues in the city to five. Doctors have been urged to remain vigilant and advise pregnant and sexually active women about the dangers of Zika and the ways it can be transmitted.
The threat of the Zika virus has waned slightly, but this warning tells doctors that it still poses a danger. The consequences of Zika may be realized for some time to come. Any woman who is sexually active is strongly urged to utilize condoms for safe intercourse and to avoid traveling to areas of the country and world where the virus is known to be present.
As of early December, close to 8,000 people in New York City had been tested for Zika. Of those tested, 962 were positive, and among those were 325 pregnant women. All of the confirmed cases of Zika can be traced back to travel in some way. In addition to the five babies with Zika-related developmental symptoms, eight others have tested positive for the virus.
The concentration of research in infants with Zika virus has been on microcephaly. There is now concern that the virus may cause other issues in babies, including eye and brain development, shortening of muscles and tendons and other impairments. The health department is closely following the infants born to mothers who have tested positive for Zika.
If you believe that your child was injured at birth in New York due to a medical professional’s negligence or error, you may have a case for medical malpractice. Call our office today to set up an appointment for a free consultation and let us advise you of your options.