I've been closely following the news about microcephaly, particularly in Brazil, and it appears the significant rise in cases is primarily linked to the Zika virus outbreak. This virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, became widespread in Brazil around the same time as the surge in microcephaly.

The link between Zika and microcephaly was suspected when health officials noted a steep increase in newborns with abnormally small heads, often associated with developmental issues. Before 2014, microcephaly cases were relatively rare, but they skyrocketed concurrently with the spread of Zika.

I've read that the virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn child, potentially affecting brain development.

While the exact mechanism isn't completely understood, experts believe the virus can disrupt normal brain development, leading to microcephaly.

In my experience, it's crucial for expectant mothers to be aware of this risk, especially if living in or traveling to affected areas.

Preventative measures like mosquito control and community awareness are vital to curb this trend. Brazil has been ramping up these efforts, but the situation serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected our health and environment can be.