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Zika Virus: A Review for Pediatricians
Insights
Zika virus infection in infants can cause congenital Zika syndrome, characterized by microcephaly and eye abnormalities. Testing is crucial for at-risk infants, even if asymptomatic at birth, due to potential maternal exposure risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Zika virus has been a significant concern for pediatric health care providers.
- Congenital Zika syndrome presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide pediatricians with current information on Zika virus.
- To address clinical presentation, testing, and prevention strategies for Zika virus infection in infants.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines.
- Synthesis of information relevant to pediatricians managing Zika virus concerns.
Main Results:
- Congenital Zika syndrome often includes microcephaly and characteristic eye abnormalities.
- Infants at risk require testing, including asymptomatic newborns.
- Maternal exposure risks include travel to endemic areas or sexual transmission.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians must be aware of Zika virus clinical features and diagnostic criteria.
- Early identification and testing are vital for infants at risk of congenital Zika syndrome.
- Understanding transmission routes is key for prevention and counseling.
Abstract:
For the past several years, the Zika virus has been a topic of conversation among pediatric health care providers in many settings. This article provides current answers to many questions that may be posed to pediatricians, including inquiries about clinical presentation, testing, and prevention. Although infants born with congenital Zika syndrome often have microcephaly, there are other characteristic features, such as eye abnormalities, that one should recognize. Additionally, testing for the syndrome must be considered in all infants at risk for infection, including those who are asymptomatic at birth. Maternal travel to an endemic region or sexual intercourse with an exposed person shortly before or during pregnancy may put an infant at risk for infection. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(11):e428-e432.].
