Zika in Africa - Rare birth defect on the rise in Angola

Ten month old Emiliano Cula, who has microcephaly, receives physiotherapy to try and stimulate control over his muscles in Luanda, Angola, September 6, 2018. Picture taken September 6, 2018. TO MATCH INSIGHT HEALTH-ZIKA/ REUTERS/Stephen Eisenhammer

LUANDA/CHICAGO (Reuters) - Emiliano Cula starts to cry as his tiny fingers, curled into a tight fist, are stretched by a physical therapist to stimulate motor control.

Born in a poor neighbourhood of Angola’s capital Luanda, the 10-month old boy has microcephaly, a birth defect marked by a small head and serious developmental problems. He still can’t sit upright and has difficulty seeing and hearing.