Zika virus cases continue in Brazil disrupting lives of affected families
The Zika virus initially led to fever-like situations for the affected people. However, it also leads to microcephaly, a condition that affects new born babies.
A mother holds her daughter Luiza, disabled by the Zika syndrome, as she waits for their appointment with a neurologist at the Mestre Vitalino Hospital in Caruaru, Brazil. (Photo | AP)
Many of the mothers of babies born with microcephaly get together and try to keep a semblance of normalcy by celebrating milestones, like first birthdays. (Photo |AP)
Learning how to feed is this baby's latest struggle as medical problems mount for him and many other infants born with small heads to mothers infected with the Zika virus in Brazil. (Photo | AP)
One of the main reasons this region was so affected by Zika is lack of clean water, so they collect and store water everywhere, creating a perfect breeding site for the carriers. (Photo | AP)
1-year-old Jose Wesley Campos, who was born with microcephaly, cries during his physical therapy session. He weighs far below the 22 pounds that is average for his age. (Photo | AP)
Doctors and researchers have seen many of the babies develop swallowing difficulties, epileptic seizures and vision and hearing problems later on. (Photo | AP)
Helena Melo, born with microcephaly, balances on a ball during a physical therapy session at the AACD rehabilitation center in Recife, Brazil. (Photo | AP)
One year-old Arthur Conceicao during his swimming pool physical therapy session at AACD rehabilitation center in Recife, Brazil. (Photo | AP)
For affected babies, breathing problems make their cries sound like gargling, and their legs often stiffen when they are picked up. (Photo | AP)
While the government has provided therapy and some financial assistance, affected mothers say that it doesn't come close to meeting their overwhelming needs. (Photo | AP)
