What is the small head disease caused by Zika mosquito virus?

Small head disease causes babies born with abnormal heads, developing or deviating brain development that leads to intellectual, motor and language disabilities.

More than 4,000 cases of microcephaly have been reported in Brazil since October 2015. In 2014, this number was only 150. According to Independent, local officials believe that the Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes is the cause of malformations.

A man hugs a child with a small head illness at Oswaldo Cruz Hospital, Recife (Brazil).(Photo: Reuters).

The small head disease is characterized by an abnormal small head due to a deviated or stopped brain development. Signs of illness may occur when the baby is still in the womb or after a few years of birth.

Zika virus is thought to cause small head disease . In addition, chromosomal and neurologic disorders are also associated with this malformation.

Drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy increases the risk of babies born with small head disease. Infectious diseases such as herpes, rubella, chickenpox or genetic diseases such as Phenylketonuria make it impossible for the body to break down amino acids among risk factors.

The risk of small head disease varies from case to case. Usually children will experience cognitive delays, movement and talking skills. The disease also affects other parts of the body such as deforming the face, causing stunting. Hyperactivity, seizures and problems associated with coordination, balance also often appear with small head disease.

There is currently no treatment to help bring the brain of a child with a normal size illness that can only affect neurological or language problems. In the face of the virus's uncontrollable spread, the US announced it would test the Zika vaccine later this year. Health experts recommend pregnant women protect themselves from mosquito bites and, if possible, delay voting for 2 years.