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Infectious factors that can lead to intellectual disabilities often include specific viral infections that affect fetal development or early childhood brain function. The Zika virus is a prime example; it has been linked to microcephaly and other developmental disorders when contracted by a pregnant individual. This virus can disrupt neurological development in the fetus, leading to lasting cognitive challenges post-birth.

While some infectious diseases certainly impact overall health, not all types of infections are associated with intellectual disabilities. Non-communicable diseases, for instance, are not infectious and do not cause cognitive impairments in the same manner. Similarly, while viral infections can be a concern, not all viral infections have been shown to lead to intellectual disabilities. The specificity of the Zika virus highlights the critical need to understand how certain infections can directly influence cognitive development.