Zika virus: management of infection and risk

AMI IMAGES / SPL #### What you need to know Zika virus has caused a self limiting pyrexial illness from Africa to South-East Asia for decades. Recently it has spread across the Pacific and in 2015 caused infections for the first time in South America. Though usually asymptomatic or of little clinical significance in adults, there is concern about an apparent association between infection in pregnancy and birth defects such as microcephaly.1 2 3 We have no data to characterise the risks of abnormal fetal development and adverse pregnancy outcomes, or to guide testing strategies. In its absence, global health bodies have issued guidance for clinicians on how to minimise the risk of transmission to those who are, or may become, pregnant, and to monitor fetuses that may have been exposed. We present current management advice for healthcare professionals in non-endemic countries, who may offer advice to individuals concerned about pregnancy and conception before or after travel to an area with Zika virus. Guidance is likely to change as the clinical picture and knowledge base develop, and up to date advice can be accessed from sources such as those listed in box 1. #### Box 1: Sources of up to date advice on Zika virus and management of those exposed