"This study marks a turning point on the outbreak of zika. It is now clear that the virus causes microcephaly," said CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden.
Previously, the agency had said it was likely the virus in pregnant women was the cause of the birth defect that causes an underdeveloped brain, and that the evidence that is increasing. However, he had said that more research was needed before it could be said conclusively causality.
There was no conclusive evidence that would lead to that statement, according to a special report detailing the evidence published online by the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday.
Based on all the evidence available, the CDC said there are two separate sets of criteria for determining that a pathogen or environmental exposures cause a birth defect.
There is no alternative to illustrate the reason for the increase of these birth defects among women who had Zika virus during pregnancy explanation.
Last week, the World Health Organization said the virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, causes microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. The CDC, however, said they are not yet ready to conclude that the virus causes Guillain-Barre syndrome. More than 1,000
cases of microcephaly and other fetal malformations that are believed to be associated with zika have been reported in six countries , according to WHO.