Final answer:
The Zika virus is associated with the birth defect known as microcephaly, where a baby is born with an abnormally small head and brain. This condition can severely impact the child's development and health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The birth defect associated with the Zika virus is microcephaly. Microcephaly is a serious condition where an infant is born with an abnormally small head and brain, which can lead to developmental issues and other health complications. The Zika virus is known to cause mild symptoms in most individuals, but it poses significant risks during pregnancy. It can be transmitted via Aedes mosquito bites, sexually, from mother to baby during pregnancy, or through blood transfusions.
The link between Zika virus and microcephaly became evident following the 2015 outbreak, where affected regions saw a significant increase in babies born with this birth defect. The birth defect associated with the Zika virus is microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition in which the infant is born with an abnormally small head and brain. This serious birth defect can result from fetal infections caused by the Zika virus during pregnancy.