Number of Suspected Zika-Linked Microcephaly Cases Down in Brazil

The number of suspected Zika virus-linked cases in Brazil has decreased.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The number of suspected Zika virus-linked cases of microcephaly under investigation in Brazil has decreased, the country’s Health Ministry reports.

"In Brazil, 4,046 suspected cases of microcephaly are under investigation…Of the cases already completed, 1,814 have been discarded and 1,046 were confirmed," the ministry said in a Wednesday report listing data for the week through April 2.

A week earlier, the number of suspected microcephaly cases under investigation stood at 4,291, while the number of confirmed cases stood at 944.

The Zika virus affects primarily monkeys and humans and is transmitted mainly by daytime-active mosquitoes. Transmission through blood transfusions and sexual intercourse has also been reported.

According to a recent report of the World Health Organization (WHO), "strong scientific consensus" links Zika to neurological disorders including microcephaly.

Zika does not cause serious complications in adults.

The current Zika outbreak started in Brazil in the spring of 2015.