CDC Develops Interim Guidelines for Evaluation of Infants with Possible Zika Virus Infection

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed, in consultation with the American Academy of Pediatrics, interim guidance for the evaluation, testing and management of infants born to mothers who traveled to or resided in an area with Zika virus transmission during pregnancy.

The document provides guidance to healthcare providers caring for infants with microcephaly or intracranial calcifications detected prenatally or at birth or infants without these findings whose risk is based on maternal exposure and testing for Zika virus infection.

Briefly, pediatric healthcare providers should ask mothers of newborns with microcephaly or intracranial calcifications about their residence and travel while pregnant as well as symptoms of illness compatible with Zika virus disease (acute onset of fever, maculopapular rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis). In addition, results of any Zika virus testing performed prior to delivery should be obtained. 

Interim guidance includes consideration of clinical issues that might be encountered in caring for infants who might have been infected with Zika virus infection. Certain actions (e.g., cranial ultrasound and ophthalmologic examination) are recommended for all infants being tested for Zika virus infection, and other actions (e.g., repeat hearing screening, developmental monitoring) are recommended for all infants with Zika virus infection, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.

Source: CDC