Like Zika, West Nile Virus Causes Fetal Brain Damage, Death in Mice
Washington University in St. LouisTwo viruses closely related to Zika – West Nile and Powassan – can spread from an infected pregnant mouse to her fetuses, causing brain damage and fetal death, according to a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The findings suggest that Zika may not be unique in its ability to cause miscarriages and birth defects.