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Jan 25, 2016

Zika Virus Information

Mosquito

Mosquito

January 25th, 2016.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - University of Toronto.  Version #1
Zika virus information and screening recommendations

 

 

 

 

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. Fetuses exposed to Zika are at risk of congenital abnormalities, specifically intracranial calcifications and microcephaly.

Symptoms of Zika may develop between 3 and 8 days following bites from infected mosquitoes and include fever, rash, joint pains and conjunctivitis. However, 80% of infections are asymptomatic. Individuals mount an immune response, first IgM antibodies and then IgG antibodies approximately 10-14 days following exposure.

Most people exposed to Zika develop immunity without further sequelae, however it appears that 1-5 in 10,000 go on to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Countries at risk and where CDC has issued a travel advisory currently include: Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, St. Martine Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. This list is being frequently updated.

Testing Recommendations: Currently, testing for exposure should only be carried out on:

  1. PCR testing (whole blood and urine) and serology for acutely ill pregnant individuals who have symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection with onset within 2 weeks of travel to an endemic area.
  2. Serologic testing for recovered pregnant individuals who have traveled to an endemic area and had symptoms (fever, rash, joint pains, conjunctivitis) compatible with Zika virus infection during or within two weeks of their travel.
  3. Amniocentesis for individuals whose have traveled to an endemic area and whose fetus demonstrates signs of fetal infection (intracranial calcifications, microcephaly).
  4. Prior to sending a specimen consider contacting Public Health.

Fetal Surveillance Recommendations:

All pregnant individuals, regardless of symptoms, who have traveled to an endemic area, should undergo ultrasound surveillance every four weeks to assess fetal well-being.

Travel Recommendations:

If possible pregnant individuals should AVOID travel to endemic areas. Currently there is NO treatment.
If pregnant, avoid mosquito bites. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants and bug repellent with DEET in mosquito infested areas.

References:  http://www.cdc.gov/zika/