Zika Virus and Pregnancy Concerns

Nurs Clin North Am. 2019 Jun;54(2):285-295. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2019.02.005. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

Abstract

Understanding Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission and the risk of birth defects associated with infection during the childbearing years is imperative. Current knowledge helps guide communication, prevention, and planning efforts between health care providers and female patients of childbearing age. Providers must follow updated data and implement ongoing rapid, sensitive, and specific screening and diagnostic testing for ZIKV. Surveillance of infants with known, in utero ZIKV exposure or infection must be maintained to gain a broader understanding of potential defects or injuries that are not immediately obvious at birth and in early infancy.

Keywords: Birth defect; Congenital Zika syndrome; Microcephaly; Prenatal infection; Zika virus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Congenital Abnormalities / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Microcephaly / etiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology*
  • Zika Virus Infection / complications*
  • Zika Virus Infection / physiopathology*