In a follow-up on the microcephaly situation in Brazilalthough slowing, the number of confirmed cases have doubled in the past two months with the total confirmed now up to 1326, according to Brazil health officials (computer translated).

Public domain image/Deyvid Aleksandr Raffo Setti
Public domain image/Deyvid Aleksandr Raffo Setti

205 cases were confirmed by specific laboratory criteria for Zika (PCR and serology technique) virus.

Since the beginning of the investigation in October 2015, 7,438 suspected cases were reported, of which 2,679 were discarded and 3,433 remain under investigation.

Of the 27 states, or Federative Units in Brazil, only Acre and Santa Catarina have yet to report a confirmed microcephaly case.

There were 262 suspected deaths of microcephaly and / or alteration of the central nervous system after birth or during pregnancy (miscarriage or stillbirth) in the country. Of these, 56 were confirmed to microcephaly and / or alteration of the central nervous system. Another 174 are still under investigation and 32 were discarded.

The Ministry of Health says it is investigating all cases of microcephaly and other disorders of the central nervous system reportedby the states, and the possible relationship with the Zika virus and other congenital infections. Microcephaly may be caused by  various infectious agents beside Zika such as syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes virus.

According to Pan American Health Organization data, Brazil has reported a cumulative total of 120,000 suspected and confirmed Zika virus cases.

Related: