CDC Updates Guidance on Zika Virus Infection in Infants

As we continue to learn more about the effects of Zika virus as a teratogen, our medical guidelines struggle to keep up with the pace of our growing knowledge. In an Oct. 22 MMWR report, the CDC updates the guidelines for follow-up care with infants for Zika-related causes in an attempt to stay up-to-date with recent discoveries.

1. For infants with birth defects characteristic of congenital Zika syndrome, continue to monitor for:
• hydrocephaly
• respiratory issues
• issues with swallowing
• consult with ID and neurology
• head ultrasound and ophthalmologic exam before 1 month of age
• No auditory tests past 4-6 months of age since delayed onset hearing loss is found to be not characteristic of congenital Zika syndrome 
2. For infants whose mothers tested positive for Zika virus during pregnancy but do not have any apparent deficits:

head ultrasound and ophthalmologic exam before 1 month of age

CDC guidelines will continue to be updated as more is discovered about the effects of Zika virus on the developing fetus.

http://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20171024newcdczikarecs.html

~Scarlett