Zika in Babies in US Territories: CDC Vital Signs Report

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Zika virus (“Zika”) infection during pregnancy can cause severe health problems in babies, such as birth defects, problems with vision and hearing, seizures, and developmental delays. More than 4,800 pregnancies in the US territories (American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Puerto Rico, Republic of Marshall Islands, US Virgin Islands) had a lab result showing confirmed or possible Zika from 2016-2018. From these pregnancies, 1,450 babies were at least one year old and had some follow-up care reported for this analysis. About 1 in 7 (or 14%) of the 1,450 babies had one or more health problems possibly caused by Zika reported to the US Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry. Some of these problems were not apparent at birth and were identified as the babies grew older. Throughout early childhood, healthcare providers should closely monitor the health and development of all babies born to mothers with Zika during pregnancy.

Key points:

• 4800. Over 4,800 pregnancies in the US territories had a lab result showing confirmed or possible Zika from 2016-2018.
• 1 in 7. About 1 in 7 babies had health problems possibly caused by Zika reported, among 1,450 babies at least one year old.
• 1 in 3. Only 1 in 3 babies had the recommended eye exam reported, among 1,450 babies at least one year old.

Video: August 2018 Zika in Babies in US Territories

Over 4,800 pregnancies in the US territories had lab evidence of Zika from 2016-2018. CDC’s latest #VitalSigns report highlights the importance of follow-up care for babies born to mothers who had #Zika during pregnancy. http://bit.ly/2L3EH05