Ocular Manifestations of Zika in Infants

In this video from ASRS 2016, Dr. Mauricio Maia discusses ophthalmic findings associated with presumed congenital Zika virus infection in 282 eyes from 141 newborns. Although the mothers had no signs of ocular Zika virus infection, 30% to 45% of newborns showed fundus lesions including choroidal atrophy at the macula, optic nerve abnormalities, mottling of the macula, chorioretinal atrophy of the macula or a combination of these lesions. Dr. Maia advises that until a vaccine is available, perhaps in a year, all pregnant women should follow CDC guidelines and avoid travel to areas where the virus is present. For pregnant women traveling to or living in an area with Zika, he recommends wearing insect repellent, reducing skin exposure with long sleeves and refraining from sex or using a barrier to protect against infection with any person, male or female, who has traveled to or lives in an area with Zika.