First baby born in continental US with Zika-linked birth defect

The first baby in the continental United States with the Zika-linked birth defect microcephaly was born Tuesday in New Jersey, according to reports. 

{mosads}The girl has a severe case of microcephaly caused by Zika, a doctor at the hospital told The New York Times.

Microcephaly, a condition where a baby’s head is too small, can cause serious developmental problems. 

The case appears to be the first in the continental United States of a baby being born with Zika-linked microcephaly. A baby was born in Hawaii with microcephaly in January. 

The mother contracted Zika in Honduras, the doctor told the Times. 

The case comes as Congress has yet to approve new funding to fight the virus, despite months of White House pressure. Congressional Republicans have rejected the White House’s request for $1.9 billion in new funds. 

Both chambers did take some steps forward before leaving town for the Memorial Day recess. The Senate has approved a bipartisan $1.1 billion deal, while House Republicans approved a $622 million bill that Democrats call insufficient. 

The chambers are now trying to work out their differences, despite the gaps between the bill and the calls from House Republicans to have the measure be paid for.