Children infected with the Zika virus postnatally seldom encounter serious complications, much like adults, according to a new study published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
From January 2015 to July 2016, 158 cases of Zika in patients under the age of 18 were reported to the CDC. Analysis revealed that only two patients were hospitalized for Zika, none died and none experienced neurological complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome in which the immune system attacks the nerves inciting paralysis. GBS has been previously linked to Zika.
"Although Zika virus disease appears to be a mild illness in children, healthcare providers should report suspected cases to their state or local health department to facilitate diagnosis and mitigate the risk for local transmission," concluded the report's authors. "Providers should counsel sexually active adolescents who might be exposed to Zika virus regarding the risk for congenital Zika virus infection and prevention of unintended pregnancies."
The CDC's clinical guidance for providers caring for children who have contracted the virus either postnatally or congenitally can be found here.
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