Suspected Increase in Abortions Attributed to ZikV
The number of women seeking abortions in Jamaica is believed to be on the rise amid concerns that the Zika virus could trigger microcephaly in new-born children.
Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age and oftentimes leads to brain damage.
The World Health Organization has stated that there is scientific consensus that the mosquito-borne Zika virus is connected with the condition.
Zika’s proliferation has, in recent times resulted in several in countries affected by the virus recommending women to avoid getting pregnant.
Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton reportedly stated yesterday that “there is definitely a fear factor and that may be contributing to a higher than normal level of abortion”.
According to the Star, National Epidemiologist Dr Karen Webster-Kerr said that while there are no hard numbers to confirm that more abortions are taking place, the Ministry of Health has reason to believe that this is the case.
“We don’t have figures about termination, but we also listen to what is happening on the ground. We are looking on a few things. We are looking on the number that would go to our health facilities … It is anecdotal,” she said.
Researchers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that maternal infection with the Zika virus in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with an estimated 1% to 13% risk of microcephaly.
As of September 2, The Ministry of Health reports:
- 7,078 notifications received by the Ministry of Health
- 5,299 (74%) fit the case definition for Zika and were classified as “Suspected Zika”.
- 92 laboratory confirmed cases.
- Parish distribution of suspected cases.
- Up to 2 September 2016 Kingston and St. Andrew and St. Catherine had the greatest number (cumulative) of reported cases.
- For the two weeks period, 7-20 August 2016, the greatest number of suspected cases was in St. James and St. Ann.
Pregnant Women
- 572 notifications of zika virus infections in pregnant women
- 501 were classified as suspected zika in pregnancy
- 35 laboratory confirmed cases
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