Rare brain defect in babies in Brazil rises after sudden outbreak of Zika virus

Brazil's health officials say the jump in cases of microcephaly is linked to mosquito-borne disease, and the best prevention is to remove stagnant water

The suspected number of cases of microcephaly, a rare brain defect in babies, has continued to rise in Brazil, reaching 3,893 since authorities began investigating the surge in October, according to health ministry officials.

Fewer than 150 cases of microcephaly were seen in the country in all of 2014. Brazil's health officials say they're convinced the jump is linked to a sudden outbreak of the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease similar to dengue, though the mechanics of how the virus might affect babies remain murky.