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CDC issues guidelines for infants with possible congenital Zika virus
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Due to the potential for serious birth defects, such as microcephaly, caused by Zika virus, the CDC has released interim guidelines for physicians screening infants for possible congenital Zika virus infection.
“CDC has developed interim guidelines for health care providers in the United States who are caring for infants born to mothers who traveled to or resided in an area with Zika virus transmission during pregnancy,” J. Erin Staples, MD, PhD, of the division of vector-borne diseases within the CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. “Pediatric health care providers should work closely with obstetric providers to identify infants whose mothers were potentially infected with Zika virus during pregnancy, and review fetal ultrasounds and maternal testing for Zika virus infection.”
J. Erin Staples
The CDC suggests both serological and molecular testing of infants at risk for maternal transmission because currently it is unknown which type of testing is more conclusive. Serological reverse-transcription PCR testing should be conducted on umbilical cord serum specimens or specimens collected directly from the infant within 2 days of birth. Testing also should be conducted on cerebrospinal fluid, if it has already been collected for other testing. The guidelines state that an infant is considered infected if Zika virus RNA or viral antigens are identified in any tested specimens.
Additional evaluation is recommended if a child presents with microcephaly or with similar cranial attributes. The authors recommend ophthalmological evaluation, based on reports of abnormal eye findings in cases of microcephalic infants with Zika virus.
Physicians are advised to report any confirmed cases of Zika virus or microcephaly with Zika infection to their state, territorial or local health departments. Developmental screening and monitoring is recommended for infants diagnosed with Zika virus for the first year of life.
The authors said these guidelines are subject to change as ongoing research reveals more information about Zika virus infection.
Staples and colleagues also recommended that mothers continue to breast-feed, even in Zika-endemic areas, because the benefits of breast-feeding outweigh the potential risks associated with the infection.
“No specific antiviral treatment is available for Zika virus infections, and no vaccine against Zika virus is available,” Staples and colleagues wrote. “The only way to prevent congenital Zika virus infection is to prevent maternal infection, either by avoiding areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing or strictly following steps to avoid mosquito bites.” – by David Costill
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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