Reuters: Brazil says ‘most’ of confirmed microcephaly cases linked to Zika
“Brazil’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday that most of the 508 confirmed cases of microcephaly reported in the country are likely related to the ongoing outbreak of Zika virus, and called its previous count too conservative…” (Prada, 2/17).

Reuters: Study suggests Zika can cross placenta, adds to microcephaly link
“…In a study in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, the scientists said their finding suggests Zika virus can cross the placental barrier, but does not prove it causes microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads. More research is needed to understand the link, they said…” (Kelland, 2/17).

Reuters: Colombia’s forecast on Zika-linked birth defect may be too high: minister
“…In an interview, Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria suggested the Andean nation may revise downward its projection of 500 to 600 cases of Zika-linked microcephaly, as the condition, marked by an abnormally small head, has not yet shown up in fetal ultrasounds. That forecast would represent a fivefold spike in the number of Colombian microcephaly cases seen on average each year…” (Cobb/Acosta, 2/17).