Brazilian health authorities released the latest numbers concerning the massive increase of microcephaly cases in the country and it reveals the number suspected cases of the disease is now at 2,975 under investigation, according to a press release Tuesday (computer translated).

Image/CIA
Image/CIA

The reporting of the medical condition, possibly linked to Zika virus, has spread to 656 municipalities in 20 Brazilian states. Health officials are also investigating 40 suspicious deaths of microcephaly related to Zika virus.

From 2010 to 2014, Brazil saw a range of 139 to 175 micocephaly cases annually.

The largest number of cases was registered in Pernambuco (1,153), representing 38.76% of cases across the country. The state was the first to identify microcephaly increase in the country. Next are the states of Paraíba (476), Bahia (271), Rio Grande do Norte (154), Sergipe (146), Ceará (134), Alagoas (129), Maranhão (94) and Piauí (51).

The national plan to combat microcephaly, was set up the National Centre for Coordination and Control for Combating microcephaly. The aim is to intensify the actions of mobilization and combat the mosquito Aedes aegypti.

The Ministry of Health recommends that pregnant women take steps that can reduce the presence of disease-transmitting mosquitoes by eliminating breeding sites, and protect themselves from mosquito exposure, keeping doors and windows closed or screened, wear pants and shirt long-sleeved and use repellents allowed for pregnant women. Also part of these guidelines the monitoring and prenatal consultations, with the completion of all tests recommended by your doctor. The Ministry of Health reinforces the guidance of not consume alcohol or any other drugs, not use drugs without medical prescription and avoid contact with people with fever or infection.

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