Zika virus: What does a physician caring for children in Canada need to know?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Teratology

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) is a newly identified teratogen.
• Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) presents significant diagnostic and management challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline diagnostic criteria for congenital Zika virus syndrome.
• To provide management recommendations for infants and pregnant women exposed to ZIKV.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical and imaging findings in infants with suspected CZS.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on ZIKV teratogenicity and clinical manifestations.

Main Results:

• Key diagnostic indicators for CZS include microcephaly, intracranial calcifications, ventriculomegaly, and major CNS abnormalities.
• Management strategies are proposed for infants with confirmed or suspected CZS and for pregnant individuals with ZIKV exposure.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis of congenital Zika virus syndrome is crucial for appropriate infant care.
• Management guidelines are essential for addressing the neurological and developmental consequences of prenatal ZIKV exposure.