VOLUME 17 (Supplement)

A review of maternal Zika virus infection and its fetal outcomes

The Zika virus was first identified in 2007 with a worldwide outbreak occurring in 2015. Although much is known about the virus, there remains a paucity of information about how it affects fetal growth and development. This paper aims to identify the incidence, risk factors, and fetal growth and development outcomes of the Zika virus. A search of relevant publications was conducted by three independent reviewers. Unpublished data were searched from inception until October 2019, for quantitative studies on pregnant mothers with Zika infection. The findings were summarized and compiled as a systematic review. There is substantial evidence of the effects of Zika virus infection on fetal neurologic outcomes, as well as ophthalmologic, genitourinary, visceral, and femur-protection outcomes in newborns following maternal Zika virus infection. This review hopes to lay the groundwork for future research on preventive measures for maternal Zika virus infection.