The zika virus is spread by host Aedes mosquitos in areas of the world where the virus is prevalent; it can also be spread by sex with someone infected with the virus

Clinical features (mother)

• It can cause no symptoms, minimal symptoms, or a mild flu-like illness

Investigations

• Pregnant women that may have contracted the Zika virus should be tested with viral PCR and antibodies to the Zika virus

Management

• Women with a positive result should be referred to foetal medicine for close monitoring of the pregnancy
• There is no treatment for the virus

Complications

Infection in pregnancy can lead to congenital Zika syndrome, which involves:

• Microcephaly
• Fetal growth restriction
• Other intracranial abnormalities, such as ventriculomegaly and cerebellar atrophy