US scientists and health officials have confirmed that the Zika virus causes birth defects, including microcephaly.
This was confirmed on Wednesday after months of debate and uncertainty regarding the virus, AFP reported.
"Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have concluded after a careful review of existing evidence that Zika causes microcephaly and other severe brain disorders," the Center's press release states.
The conclusion is based in part on a series of studies in Brazil, where thousands of babies were born last year with defects that coincided with infections caused by the Zika virus.
CDC Director Tom Frieden announced that this latest study represents a turning point in the Zika virus epidemic, reports AFP.
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