Florida health officials announced the first infant born with microcephaly in the state Tuesday, due to the Zika virus. The mother is a Haitian citizen.
The Florida Department of Health said in a press release the pregnant woman contracted Zika in Haiti, but she traveled to Florida to give birth to her child. Her baby was born with microcephaly, a known birth defect from expecting mothers with Zika. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say microcephaly causes abnormally small heads and incomplete brain development.
Florida Governor Scott said in a press release this news is “heartbreaking.” Last week, Scott used his executive authority to give more than $26-million in state funds to prepare and respond to Zika, after Congress failed to agree on federal Zika funds. The Senate is expected to vote on it Tuesday.
