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paraguay

Paraguay reports first cases of microcephaly associated with Zika

ASUNCION (Reuters) – Paraguay’s health ministry reported the country’s first two cases of microcephaly on Wednesday, associated with the Zika virus that is present in much of South America. U.S. health officials have concluded that Zika infections in pregnant women can cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size that can lead to severe developmental problems in babies. (Reporting by Daniela Desantis, writing by Hugh Bronstein)

Paraguay could face threat from dengue, other fevers this year

Paraguay could face problems this year with dengue and other fevers transmitted by mosquitoes, which have proliferated due to rainy weather during the Southern Hemisphere summer, a health ministry official said on Tuesday. Paraguay had a record 150,000 dengue infections and 262 deaths in 2013. Concern this year extends to zika and chikungunya fevers, Paraguay’s director of preventive health, Águeda Cabello, told Reuters.