First baby born with Zika-related birth defect in NYC

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Friday, July 22, 2016
First baby born in NYC with Zika related birth defects
AJ Ross has the story.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The first baby with a Zika-related birth defect has been born in New York City, the health department announced Friday afternoon.

According to the New York City Department of Health, the baby's mother was infected with the Zika virus while visiting an area known to have mosquitoes transmitting the virus.

Tests have determined that the baby is positive for Zika and was born with microcephaly.

"The City has been preparing for this scenario for many months now, and we stand ready to help families caring for an infant with microcephaly," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio in a news release. "This case is a sad reminder that Zika can have tragic consequences for pregnant women."

The first Zika-related birth in the Tri-State area occurred at Hackensack University Medical Center in May.

Stay with abc7NY for the latest on this developing story.