CDC updates guidance for infants born to mothers with possible Zika virus
infection during pregnancy
 Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
today issued updated interim clinical guidance
for health care providers caring for infants born to mothers with possible Zika
virus infection during pregnancy. This update includes information that has
become available since the August 2016 release of the previous guidance.
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Zika
virus continues to be a public health threat to pregnant women and their
infants. Despite the lower number of Zika cases in 2017 than at this time
during 2016, Zika cases continue to be reported by many countries
around the world. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause
serious damage to the brain of the developing fetus. It can lead to congenital
Zika syndrome in babies, a pattern of birth defects that includes brain
abnormalities, vision problems, hearing loss, and problems moving limbs. Babies
with congenital infection may also appear healthy at birth but have underlying
brain defects or other Zika-related health problems.
“There’s a lot we still don’t know about Zika, so it’s very
important for us to keep a close eye on these babies as they develop,” said CDC
Director Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. “Learning how best to support them will
require a team approach between healthcare providers and families.
The
updated recommendations emphasize that it is important for pediatric health
care providers to assess risk of congenital Zika virus infection, to
communicate closely with obstetrical providers, and to remain alert for any
problems that may develop in infants without birth defects born to mothers with
possible Zika virus exposure during pregnancy.
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