After extensive research, the CDC has confirmed Zika virus to cause microcephaly. Scientists are hesitant to "confirm" anything, as it is such a strong statement. Until now, Zika has been "thought to cause" or "liked to" microcephaly.
Enough evidence has been found that the CDC is officially confirming a casual link. With such a strong link established, any suggestions regarding prevention of Zika now carry much more weight. Instead of preventing Zika in order to possibly prevent something that might cause microcephaly, now it can prevent something that does cause microcephaly.
Hopefully, this confirmation can lead to stronger public health measures in order to prevent contraction of Zika, prevent spread of Zika, and increase knowledge about Zika. It may also lead to increased funding for these public health measures. People are more likely to be concerned about a casual link than about a possible contributing factor.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/13/zika-virus-confirmed-cause-microcephaly-birth-defect-cdc
--Melissa Widel
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