New images show devastating impact of Zika on babies' brains

A report has been released by an international team of researchers about the dangerous effects of the Zika virus on fetuses and infants based on new imaging findings.

As Fernanda Tovar-Moll, the lead author, has stated in a news release issued by Radiological Society of North America, "Imaging is essential for identifying the presence and the severity of the structural changes induced by the infection, especially in the central nervous system."

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For the research, the team analyzed the brain scans of about 45 fetuses and newborns linked to Zika; they were all reported in Brazil which is considered to be the epicenter of the current outbreak.

The scientists found that the babies had a number of brain defects other than microcephaly where the head is abnormally small.

These other problems included abnormalities in a part of the brain that enables communication between the two hemispheres and another that hinders neurons from arriving at the proper location.

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The newborns also commonly had a condition where the brain's fluid-filled structures were too large while the overall tissue volume was low.

As such, pregnant women are advised to avoid affected areas especially during the first trimester when the virus is considered the most dangerous for the fetus.