Thailand is investigating four suspected cases of Zika-related microcephaly in three babies and a 36-week old unborn baby, the public health minister has said, in what could be the first such cases in south-east Asia. Thailand has one of the highest numbers, with 349 confirmed since January, including 25 pregnant women. The public health minister, Piyasakon Sakolsatayadorn, said authorities needed to be thorough in investigating the cases as confirmation would be “sensitive”. It lists Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam as countries reporting new Zika cases. An estimated 80% of people have no symptoms, making it difficult for pregnant women to know whether they have been infected.

Source: The Guardian September 27, 2016 09:15 UTC