WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The state's first confirmed case of microcephaly in an infant born in Florida has been reported. The child's mother had a travel-related case of Zika.
According to the Florida Department of Health. the child's mother is a citizen of Haiti who came to Florida to deliver her baby.
Health officials say microcephaly is a birth defect in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and incomplete brain development. Babies with the defect often have a range of problems including developmental delay, intellectual disability, problems with movement and balance, hearing loss and vision problems.
“It is heartbreaking to learn that a baby has been born with Zika-related microcephaly in our state and my thoughts and prayers are with the mother and child," said Governor Rick Scott. "Following this news, I have requested the CDC to immediately host a call with Florida health care professionals to discuss the neurological impacts of Zika and how this virus impacts new and expecting moms."
Last week, Governor Scott used his executive authority toallocate $26.2 million in state funds for Zika preparedness, prevention and response in Florida.
