Zika Virus

Infants from mothers infected who had Zika virus infection during pregnancy (both symptomatic and asymptomatic mothers) have a high risk of congenital anomalies. Many refugee patients come from countries with Zika virus transmission (see Map) and testing can be considered in new prenatal refugee patients. Testing recommendations vary depending on if the pregnant patient is symptomatic or asymptomatic.

While most Zika virus infections are asymptomatic, patients can still present with the following symptoms: low grade fever, arthralgia/myalgia, conjunctivitis and maculopapular rash.

Screening recommendations for Zika virus vary depending on the public health agency. Physicians should follow their local recommendations when considering testing a patient for Zika virus.

See Table1 and Table2 for the testing recommendations by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Any positive Zika virus test result should be discussed with an Infectious Diseases specialist and a Maternal-Fetal-Medicine specialist.