Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, and whose transplacental transmission is responsible for severe neurologic damage in the fetus and newborn. The current brazilian epidemic already concerns 1.3 billion persons and has already spread to more than 50 countries, making it essential to better understand this virus, in order to establish preventive measures, to guide the care of pregnant women exposed to the ZIKV and to ensure an adequate follow-up of their infected children.
Key Words
Zika virus, congenital damage, microcephaly
What is already known about the topic?
The current epidemic is progressing rapidly and is suspected to have already caused 8700 cases of congenital disorders in Brazil between October 2015 and July 2016 ¹. The physiopathology and spectrum of the congenital disease is still insufficiently understood.
What does this article bring up for us?
We discuss in this article the actual knowledge as well as future perspectives concerning fetal and neonatal consequences of ZIKV infection.