Zika Risk and Pregnancy in Clinical Practice: Ongoing Experience as the Outbreak Evolves

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Zika virus poses a risk to pregnant women and their fetuses.
• Understanding exposure patterns and infection rates is crucial for public health.
• Pregnant individuals with potential Zika virus exposure require careful evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the experience of a U.S. perinatal center in evaluating pregnant patients with potential Zika virus exposure.
• To determine the rate of confirmed Zika virus infection in this high-risk cohort.
• To characterize risk factors, symptoms, and ultrasound findings associated with Zika virus exposure.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal observational study of 185 pregnant women with potential Zika virus exposure from January to August 2016.
• Testing for Zika virus infection was performed according to CDC guidelines.
• Data collected included travel history, symptoms, laboratory results, and prenatal ultrasound findings.

Main Results:

• The majority of exposures occurred in Mexico and the Caribbean.
• Only 0.5% of all evaluated patients and 0.7% of tested patients had confirmed Zika virus infection.
• No confirmed fetal or neonatal Zika virus infections were identified, although some ultrasound findings were suggestive.

Conclusions:

• Confirmed Zika virus infection rates were low in this cohort of pregnant women with potential exposure.
• Significant concern among patients and physicians regarding Zika virus necessitates preparedness.
• Healthcare providers must be equipped to counsel patients on testing and results related to Zika virus.