Washington D.C., Feb 17, 2016 / 00:11 am
Fears of the Zika virus outbreak's possible effects on the health of women and unborn children should be a motivation to help those infected and prevent more infections, one congressman said last week.
"Experts cite possible links with the Zika infection of pregnant mothers and disorders affecting their unborn children, although they – including our witnesses today – are quick to point out that no definitive proof of such a linkage (exists)," Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said at a joint Congressional subcommittee hearing on the Zika virus Feb. 10.
"In the meantime, we must work harder to prevent maternal infections and devise compassionate ways to ensure that any child born with disabilities from this or any other infection is welcomed, loved and gets the care he or she needs," he continued.
The congressman called for further research on vaccinations and treatments for the Zika virus and on drugs that might prevent the disease's transmission from a mother to her unborn baby.