Vital Signs: Zika in Babies in US Territories
Monitoring early health and development
Zika causes birth defects and nervous system problems.
Of the 1,450 babies at least one year old born to mothers with Zika during pregnancy in the US territories who had some follow-up reported:
- 6% had Zika-associated birth defects, such as small head size, brain damage, or eye damage.
- 9% had nervous system problems possibly caused by Zika, such as seizures, problems with swallowing and moving, or developmental delays.
Without evaluation, some health problems may not be detected or treated.
Based on reported data, babies affected by Zika have received these recommendations exams…
95% Physical Exam
Illustration of a nurse measuring the head circumference of a baby with the father in attendance.
76% Developmental Screening
Illustration of a doctor examining a baby on a table with the father holding the baby’s arm.
60% Brain Imaging After Birth
Illustration of a healthcare professional conducting a brain imaging test on a baby as the mother holds the baby’s head in place.
48% Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)-Based Hearing Test
An adult holds a baby and holds a bottle in the baby’s mouth as an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)-based Hearing Test is conducted on the baby.
36% Eye Examination
An eye doctor examines a baby’s eyes as the mother holds the baby.
Monitoring and care for babies born to mothers with zika during pregnancy.
From birth to 24 months and beyond, there are a number of tests that should be conducted on babies born to mothers with Zika during pregnancy:
- Well-Baby Exam with Comprehensive Physical Exam including Head Measurement
- Hearing Exam (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response)
- Zika Virus Lab Test
- Eye Exam by an Eye Doctor
- Brain Imaging
- Well-Baby Exam with Age-Appropriate Developmental Screening using a Validated Tool
AT BIRTH (2-5 days)
Well-Baby Exam with Comprehensive Physical Exam including Head Measurement, Hearing Exam (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response), Zika Virus Lab Test
BY 1 MONTH OLD
Eye Exam by an Eye Doctor, Hearing Exam (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response) if not performed at birth, Brain Imaging, Well-Baby Exam with Comprehensive Physical Exam including Head Measurement
2, 4, and 6 MONTHS
Well-Baby Exam with Comprehensive Physical Exam including Head Measurement
9 MONTHS
Well-Baby Exam with Age-Appropriate Developmental Screening using a Validated Tool
12 and 15 MONTHS
Well-Baby Exam with Comprehensive Physical Exam including Head Measurement
18 MONTHS
Well-Baby Exam with Age-Appropriate Developmental Screening using a Validated Tool
24 MONTHS and beyond
Well-Baby Exam with Comprehensive Physical Exam including Head Measurement
Babies should have a doctor’s visit at each time point above and receive the indicated care. If problems are observed at any point, babies may be referred to specialists as clinically indicated.
SOURCES: Bright Futures Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care; Interim Guidance for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Infants with Possible Congenital Zika Virus Infection—United States, October 2017.