One pregnancy loss with birth defects related to Zika virus was reported in the week ending July 7, 2016, along with two liveborn infants with Zika-related birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That brings the total number of Zika-related poor birth outcomes in the United States to seven pregnancy losses and nine liveborn infants with birth defects, the CDC reported July 14.
All three of the latest Zika-related poor outcomes occurred in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Of the 16 total poor outcomes so far, 15 have occurred in the 50 states and D.C.; one pregnancy loss has been reported in the U.S. territories. State- or territorial-level data are not being reported to protect the privacy of affected women and children, the CDC said.
The CDC also reported that 346 pregnant women in the 50 states and D.C. and 303 women in U.S. territories have had laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection, for a total of 649 nationwide as of July 7.
The figures for states, territories, and the District of Columbia reflect reporting to the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry; data for Puerto Rico are reported to the U.S. Zika Active Pregnancy Surveillance System.
Zika-related birth defects recorded by the CDC could include microcephaly, calcium deposits in the brain indicating possible brain damage, excess fluid in the brain cavities and surrounding the brain, absent or poorly formed brain structures, abnormal eye development, or other problems resulting from brain damage that affect nerves, muscles, and bones. The pregnancy losses encompass any miscarriage, stillbirth, and termination with evidence of birth defects.
