In Utero Zika Virus Exposure and Infant Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Exposed infants born without congenital Zika syndrome nonetheless showed delays in mobility, communication, and social cognition that were more apparent with age.

Zika virus infected about 7400 pregnant women in the U.S. during the 2016–2017 outbreak, and many more in the Caribbean and South America. Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) occurs in 5% to 10% of exposed infants and consists of microcephaly, global developmental delay, epilepsy, visual impairment, and deafness, but the developmental course of exposed children without CZS is unclear.

Researchers followed 70 infants with in utero Zika exposure born in Colombia during the 2016–2017 outbreak who had normal fetal brain neuroimaging and no clinical signs of CZS. Mothers had presented during pregnancy with symptoms of Zika virus infection, which was confirmed with lab testing. Infants were assessed at least once between 4 and 18 months of age with a p…

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

In Utero Zika Virus Exposure and Infant Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

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Reviewing Author