The Aftermath of Zika: Need for Long-Term Monitoring of Exposed Children

Abstract

Pregnancy infections with Zika virus are associated with a spectrum of fetal brain injuries beyond microcephaly. Nonmicrocephalic children exposed to Zika virus in utero or early life should undergo neurodevelopmental testing to identify deficits and allow for early intervention. Additionally, long-term monitoring for higher order neurocognitive deficits should be implemented.

Keywords: Zika virus; congenital Zika syndrome; fetus; flavivirus; neurocognitive testing; pregnancy.

Figure 1.

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Congenital Zika Syndrome Cases and Suspected ZIKV Infections from 2015–2107. A world map shows the cumulative number of reported Congenital Zika Syndrome cases (red, countries in dark yellow) and the number of suspected ZIKV infections (includes non-pregnant individuals, blue) as reported to the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization by each country between 2015–2017.Striking and unexpected differences in numbers across regions highlight disparities in ZIKV surveillance and reporting, public health, vector control and ecological constraints on mosquito-borne virus transmission. Countries in pale yellow have not reported any ZIKV-associated birth defects, but are in regions with likely or confirmed local transmission.