Congenital Zika syndrome

Alternate names

Zika syndrome

Definition

Congenital Zika syndrome is caused by exposure to the Zika virus before birth. This may happen if the mother is infected from a mosquito bite or through sexual contact with an affected partner.

Cause

This condition is caused by exposure to the Zika virus before birth. This may happen if the mother is infected from a mosquito bite or through sexual contact with an affected partner.

Signs and symptoms

The five features listed below are rarely seen with other infections or are unique to congenital Zika syndrome:

• Severe microcephaly in which the skull has partially collapsed
• Decreased brain tissue with a specific pattern of brain damage, including subcortical calcifications
• Damage to the back of the eye, including macular scarring and focal retinal pigmentary mottling
• Congenital contractures, such as clubfoot or arthrogryposis
• Hypertonia restricting body movement soon after birth

Congenital Zika virus infection has also been associated with other abnormalities, including but not limited to brain atrophy and asymmetry, abnormally formed or absent brain structures, hydrocephalus, and neuronal migration disorders. Other anomalies include excessive and redundant scalp skin. Reported neurologic findings include hyperreflexia, irritability, tremors, seizures, brainstem dysfunction, and dysphagia. Reported eye abnormalities include, but are not limited to, focal pigmentary mottling and chorioretinal atrophy in the macula, optic nerve hypoplasia or atrophy, other retinal lesions, iris colobomas, congenital glaucoma, microphthalmia, lens subluxation, cataracts, and intraocular calcifications.

Diagnosis

• Infection with Zika virus may be suspected based on symptoms of persons living in or visiting areas with Zika virus transmission and/or Aedes mosquito vectors.
• A diagnosis of Zika virus infection can only be confirmed by laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids, such as urine or semen.

Management

• Vaccines to prevent Zika virus infection are being researched.
• The CDC recommends that pregnant women consider postponing travel to Zika-affected areas.
• People living in or traveling to areas where Zika virus is found should take steps to prevent mosquito bites.
• Those who have traveled to Zika-affected areas may wish to take steps to prevent sexual transmission of the Zika virus.
• Babies with congenital Zika syndrome benefit from special medical care to address their healthcare needs.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Congenital Zika syndrome

Congenital Zika syndrome is a rare disease.