A pregnant teenager in Connecticut, who has tested positive for the Zika virus, has decided to carry her baby full term.
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus, which often does not immediately present any symptoms. Eventually, the individual infected may experience fever, rash, headaches, red eyes, pain behind the eyes, and/or muscle and joint pain. The infection itself is usually not severe and rarely requires hospitalisation.
The concern, however, is what the virus does to unborn babies.
Majuica has decided to carry the baby full term. Image via Instagram.
In April 2016, CDC experts confirmed that Zika can cause microcepaly, a neurological condition where babies are born with small heads and sometimes small brains, and severe foetal brain defects. It may also lead to premature birth, blindness and developmental issues. In some cases, being born with the Zika virus can be lethal.
Sara Majuica, 17, traveled to Choloma, Honduras, a republic in Central America, in March to visit her fiance.
When she returned she noticed "I was getting rashes all over my body: my legs, my arms, my face everywhere, and I also had a fever and headaches."
What you need to know about the Zika virus. Post continues below.
She says "I started researching Zika but I also thought it could be chicken pox."
Four days later, Majuica learned she was pregnant.
After going to the hospital and undergoing a series of tests, Majuica then travelled back to Honduras.
Top Comments
catholic and had sex with boyfriend in another country on a visit.
That poor teen.
Has religion dictates the path of her life
The fetus has to suffer once born, again cos religion
Pity her catholic parents didnt value sex ed as much as religion
Religion clearly didn't dictate "no sex before marriage" for her.