CDC Around the World: Today is World Birth Defects Day

CDC Around the World: Today is World Birth Defects Day

Spotlighted Topic of the Week: World Birth Defects Day

CDC Zika Updates

In the News

On the Calendar

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

March 3 is World Birth Defects Day. View full-sized photo

Blog of the Week

WORLD BIRTH DEFECTS DAY RAISES GLOBAL AWARENESS OF BIRTH DEFECTS Every year, an estimated 3%–6% of infants worldwide are born with a serious birth defect. Birth defects can affect an infant regardless of birthplace, race, or ethnicity. In some countries, birth defects remain one of the leading causes of death for infants and young children. Those who survive and live with these conditions are at an increased risk for lifelong disabilities…Read blog

Infographic of the Week

FOLIC ACID FORTIFICATION View full-sized infographic

Video of the Week

BIRTH DEFECTS: COMMON, COSTLY, CRITICAL. Produced and directed by Utah parents of children with birth defects in collaboration with the National Birth Defects Prevention Network…Watch video

Story of the Week

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLIC ACID: ANIFA'S STORY Worldwide, more than 300,000 babies are born with serious birth defects of the brain and spine each year. Read Anifa's story and find out what CDC is doing to help…Read story

CDC Zika Updates



More resources on the CDC Zika website »

Latest Outbreak Info

On January 22, 2016, CDC activated itsEmergency Operations Center (EOC) to respond to outbreaks of Zika occurring in the Americas and increased reports of birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome in areas affected by Zika. On February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) because of clusters of microcephaly and other neurological disorders in some areas affected by Zika. On February 8, 2016, CDC elevated its EOC activation to a Level 1, the highest level.

CDC is working with international public health partners and with state and local health departments to

• Alert healthcare providers and the public about Zika.
• Post travel notices and other travel-related guidance.
• Provide state health laboratories with diagnostic tests.
• Detect and report cases, which will help prevent further spread.

Q & A on Zika

Areas with Zika

In the News

Disease Detectives In Brazil Go Door-To-Door To Solve Zika Mystery
NPRFebruary 25, 2016

US impressed by successes recorded on health programmes it supports
Daily NewsFebruary 24, 2016

CDC Arrives In Brazil To Investigate Zika Outbreak
NPRFebruary 24, 2016

CDC Team Kicks off Zika Study in Brazil Focused on Zika
ABC NewsFebruary 22, 2016

How a tiny mosquito became one of the world’s ‘most efficient killers’
The Washington PostFebruary 19, 2016

On the Calendar

March 3: World Birth Defects Day
March 8: International Women's Day
March 24: World TB Day