Zika Virus During Pregnancy: It’s Effects on Fetus, Treatment and Protection, Roles of Midwives
The study aimed at providing information on Zika virus and its effects upon fetus during pregnancy in line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)-2016 guidelines and to demonstrate the role of the midwives on this subject. Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 in Zika Forest in Uganda. It affected thousands of people in May 2015 with a widespread outbreak in Brazil and spread quickly to more than 20 countries (Latin America, Caribbean etc.). Since Zika virus causes -particularly- microcephaly in fetus and infant mortality; international emergent prevention measures have been taken. Transmitted by mosquito bites; Zika virus can be contracted from exposure to blood, sexual contact and placenta. High temperature, headache, red eye, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain are signs of Zika virus. Although knowledge and information about the effects of Zika virus are quite new, the relevant reports indicate thatfetuses among pregnant women infected with Zika virus demonstrate serious anomalies and negative pregnancy outcomes occur. The most adverse effect of Zika virus during pregnancy is microcephaly in which brain cannot complete its development. As known; babies with microcephaly are under life risks due to mental retardation and neurologic disorders. Apart from microcephaly in pregnancy; fetal anomalies and fetal death risks are among other complications. It is recommended that women returning from countries with Zika virus should abstain from pregnancy for 28 days against virus infection probability, they should not become pregnant for 2 years if Zika virus is positive and if Zika virus is positive during pregnancy fetus should be closely monitored through ultrasound (every four week). There is no specific medication for the treatment of Zika virus. It is advised that pregnant women should rest, consume much fluid, use paracetamol analgesics and use antihistaminic suitable for use during pregnancy if rash is severe. Keeping distance from mosquitoes, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers are important measures. Midwives have educatory, inquiring and counseling roles in informing families against Zika virus, detecting risk groups, planning pregnancy time, having necessary tests and monitoring risky pregnancies closely using ultrasound.
Zika virus in pregnancy has serious negative outcomes on fetus. Midwives play crucial roles in decreasing/eliminating these negative effects.
Key Words: Zika Virus,