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  3. Congenital Zika syndrome
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Congenital Zika syndrome


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Other Names:
Zika syndrome
Categories:
Viral infections
Subtypes:
Infección del virus Zika; Zika virus infection

Summary Summary


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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. Signs and symptoms of congenital Zika syndrome include birth defects (like small head size) and other health and development problems.[1][2] Zika virus outbreaks are currently occurring in many countries.[3] 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.[4] Babies with congenital Zika syndrome benefit from special medical care to address their healthcare needs.[2]  
Last updated: 12/27/2017

Symptoms Symptoms


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This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

Showing of 33 |
Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Maculopapular exanthema 0040186
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Abnormality of the cerebrospinal fluid 0002921
Arthralgia
Joint pain
0002829
Arthritis
Joint inflammation
0001369
Conjunctivitis
Pink eye
0000509
Fever 0001945
Headache
Headaches
0002315
Increased circulating IgM level 0003496
Myalgia
Muscle ache
Muscle pain
[ more ]
0003326
Pruritus
Itching
Itchy skin
Skin itching
[ more ]
0000989
5%-29% of people have these symptoms
Ankle swelling 0001785
Edema
Fluid retention
Water retention
[ more ]
0000969
Transient hearing impairment 0012779
Vomiting
Throwing up
0002013
Wrist swelling 0001225
1%-4% of people have these symptoms
Abnormality of the optic disc 0012795
Absent foveal reflex 0030825
Acute demyelinating polyneuropathy 0007131
Chorioretinal atrophy 0000533
Congenital intracerebral calcification 0006906
Encephalitis
Brain inflammation
0002383
Intrauterine growth retardation
Prenatal growth deficiency
Prenatal growth retardation
[ more ]
0001511
Iris coloboma
Cat eye
0000612
Lens subluxation
Partially dislocated lens
0001132
Macular atrophy 0007401
Meningitis 0001287
Microcephaly
Abnormally small skull
Decreased circumference of cranium
Decreased size of skull
Reduced head circumference
Small head circumference
[ more ]
0000252
Myelitis
Inflammation of spinal cord
0012486
Optic disc hypoplasia 0007766
Retinal pigment epithelial mottling 0007814
Spontaneous abortion 0005268
Subcutaneous hemorrhage
Bleeding below the skin
0001933
Thrombocytopenia
Low platelet count
0001873
Showing of 33 |
Do you have more information about symptoms of this disease? We want to hear from you.
Last updated: 1/1/2021
Do you have updated information on this disease? We want to hear from you.

Diagnosis Diagnosis


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Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. Healthcare professionals typically look at a person’s medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results in order to make a diagnosis. The following resources provide information relating to diagnosis and testing for this condition. If you have questions about getting a diagnosis, you should contact a healthcare professional.

Testing Resources

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on diagnostic testing for Zika virus infection.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a feature which allows individuals to find their state health department.

Treatment Treatment


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The resources below provide information about treatment options for this condition. If you have questions about which treatment is right for you, talk to your healthcare professional.

Management Guidelines

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted Interim Guidelines for Health Care Professionals Caring for Pregnant Women and Women of Reproductive Age with Possible Zika Virus Exposure.

Find a Specialist Find a Specialist


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If you need medical advice, you can look for doctors or other healthcare professionals who have experience with this disease. You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.

If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.

You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

Healthcare Resources

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics offers psychosocial support videos for pediatricians and families as well as a Webinar series on Zika virus. 

Organizations Organizations


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Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Providing General Support

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    1600 Clifton Road
    Atlanta, GA 30329-4027
    Toll-free: 800-CDC-INFO
    TTY: 888-232-6348
    Website: http://www.cdc.gov/
Do you know of an organization? We want to hear from you.

Learn More Learn More


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These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • You can obtain general information on this topic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for developing and applying disease prevention and control measures to improve the health of the people of the United States. The CDC has updated information and videos on the Zika virus.
  • March of Dimes has information on Congenital Zika syndrome.

In-Depth Information

  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.

GARD Answers GARD Answers


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Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

Have a question? Contact a GARD Information Specialist.

References References


  1. Congenital Zika Syndrome & Other Birth Defects. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Page last reviewed: November 27, 2017; https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/zika/testing-follow-up/zika-syndrome-birth-defects.html. Accessed 12/27/2017.
  2. Congenital Zika syndrome. March of Dimes. November 28, 2017; https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/congenital-zika-syndrome.aspx. Accessed 12/27/2017.
  3. Areas with Zika. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). February 9, 2016; http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html.
  4. How to Protect Yourself. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). March 18, 2016; http://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/protect-yourself.html.
Do you know of a review article? We want to hear from you.
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