EXPERT REACTION: Is a pesticide, not Zika virus, causing microcephaly?
A group of physicians in Argentina has suggested that a pesticide called pyriproxyfen, and not the Zika virus, is behind the increase in the microcephaly birth defect. In contrast, the most recent statement from the World Health Organization says the latest evidence suggests that Zika virus infection during pregnancy may be linked to microcephaly in newborn babies. Below Australian experts comment on this new claim.
Organisation/s: Australian Science Media Centre
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Expert Reaction
These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.
Adjunct Professor Andrew Bartholomaeus is a consultant toxicologist from the School of Pharmacy, University of Canberra and the Therapeutic Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of Queensland