22 Jun 2016

American Samoa's Zika babies in good health

9:20 am on 22 June 2016

In American Samoa, initial reports on the first babies born to women who contracted the Zika virus say they are in good health.

14 pregnant women in American Samoa are confirmed to have contracted the Zika virus since the territory recorded its first case in February.

The Director of Emergency Preparedness at the Department of Health Ben Sili said the first two babies born did not have any visible signs of complications from Zika.

In South America many babies of Zika infected mothers have been born with smaller than normal heads, a condition known as microcephaly.

The Department of Health reported 29 cases of Zika in the territory.