Guidelines for Evaluating Neonates with Possible Zika Virus Infection

The CDC has developed interim guidelines for the evaluation and testing of infants with possible congenital Zika virus infection.

Sponsoring Organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Background

Zika virus outbreaks have recently been reported in Brazil and other countries in South and Central America. Congenital infection has been linked to neonatal microcephaly in endemic areas (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med 2016 Jan 29; [e-pub] and MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016; 65:59).

Key Recommendations

– Evaluation of infants with microcephaly (occipitofrontal circumference <3rd percentile) or intracranial calcifications whose mothers may have been infected with Zika virus during pregnancy should include:

Zika virus testing of the infant's and mother's serum (polymerase chain reaction, immunoglobulin M [IgM] and neutralizing antibodies)
Dengue virus testing (IgM an…

Reviewing Author

Deborah Lehman, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose