
doi: 10.1111/jspn.12164
pmid: 27862959
AbstractPurposeThis article describes what pediatric healthcare professionals should know about Zika virus (ZIKV).Literature ReviewZIKV is classified as an arthropod‐borne, single‐stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family and genus Flavivirus. ZIKV is not new. The virus was first discovered almost 70 years ago in Uganda. The first isolate of the virus was found in rhesus monkeys in the Zika Forrest, hence the nomenclature. The primary route of ZIKV transmission to humans is through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito—primarily Aedes aegypti. When the mosquito bites individuals infected with the virus, mosquitos then become the vector of transmitting the infection to others. Women can also pass ZIKV to their fetus during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. ZIKV can also be transmitted through sexual activity from an individual who is infected with the virus to his or her partners. It is estimated that approximately 18% of individuals infected with ZIKV will go on to develop symptoms. When symptoms develop, it is usually within 3–12 days, although this may vary. Most often, symptoms are mild and self‐limited. The most common symptoms are fever, arthralgia, maculopapular rash, and conjunctivitis lasting up to seven days. Less frequent symptoms include headache, vertigo, myalgia, vomiting, and diarrhea. At present, there is no vaccine available to prevent ZIKV and no specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care consisting of rest, hydration, analgesics, antihistamines, and antipyretics is recommended as needed. Given that there is no vaccine or treatment for ZIKV, considerable efforts must be focused on prevention. One of the most effective ways of preventing ZIKV infection is through avoiding mosquito bites, especially when traveling to or residing in areas where transmission is present. Precautions should include wearing appropriate attire with the objective of having as little skin exposed as possible, use of screens for windows and doors, and use of insect repellent.Practice ImplicationsWhat is known about ZIKV changes continually. An infectious threat that was relatively obscure just a few months ago has now become a topic of heightened interest worldwide. Pediatric healthcare professionals must remain cognizant of evolving developments and emerging new evidence.
Adult, Zika Virus Infection, Health Personnel, Infant, Newborn, Infant, Zika Virus, Middle Aged, Pediatrics, Aedes, Pregnancy, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Animals, Humans, Female
Adult, Zika Virus Infection, Health Personnel, Infant, Newborn, Infant, Zika Virus, Middle Aged, Pediatrics, Aedes, Pregnancy, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Animals, Humans, Female
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 8 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
