Zika virus infection in pregnancy

Abstract

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. It is transmitted to humans by infected Aedes spp. mosquitoes. Non-vector-borne transmission routes of Zika virus include blood transfusion-related transmission, sexual transmission, transplacental transmission, and perinatal transmission. Zika virus infection is asymptomatic in most cases. If symptoms occur, symptoms are generally mild and self-limited. Signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Zika virus infection in pregnant women are similar to non-pregnant women. Zika virus infection in pregnancy is associated with fetal structural brain abnormalities and microcephaly. The treatments are symptomatic and supportive. Prevention from mosquito bites is the best way to prevent Zika virus infection. Treatment of Zika virus infection in pregnant women is similar to non-pregnant women. However, obstetricians should be aware of congenital Zika virus infection when pregnant women infected with Zika virus especially in the first trimester.