Zika Virus: 5 More Things Nurses Need to Know

In January 2016, we shared 5 things nurses must know concerning the Zika virus. Since then, ongoing research and monitoring have improved our knowledge, and proposals have been updated based on the newest evidence. Here are five more things nurses need to know:

Early in the middle of Zika virus, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain response (rRT-PCR) of serum can detect Zika virus RNA within the blood. Viral RNA can remain in urine longer than in blood; the CDC recommends that urine samples be collected inside 14 days of symptom onset for rRT-PCR testing. Virus-specific IgM and neutralizing antibodies often develop by the tip of the primary week of illness, so serologic testing for Zika virus will be performed later in the middle of illness. All reports undergo the state or local health department and are detailed instructions from the CDC on easy methods to collect, prepare, and ship samples for testing.

• Men diagnosed with the Zika virus should use condoms or abstain from sexual activity for no less than six months.
• Pregnant women whose partners live in or travel to areas where the Zika virus is present should use condoms during all vaginal, anal, or oral sex or abstain from sex while pregnant.
• Both men and girls should receive advice on planning contraception. Women with Zika virus should wait no less than eight weeks after symptoms start before attempting to conceive; men with Zika virus should wait no less than six months since it shouldn’t be known how long the virus can remain in semen. Women with possible exposure to Zika virus should wait no less than eight weeks after exposure to attempt to get pregnant; men should wait no less than six months.

Microcephaly is a birth defect wherein infants are born with a head that’s smaller than normal as a consequence of abnormal brain development. In some cases, newborns may develop normally, but possible associated neurological complications include developmental delays and seizures, in addition to speech, hearing, and vision deficits and feeding difficulties. Diagnosis will be made by ultrasound within the late second trimester or early third trimester, or after the newborn is born. Microcephaly is a lifelong condition, and treatment depends upon the severity of the defect and any health problems which might be related to it.

The CDC is investigating the link between Zika virus and GBS, because the Brazilian Ministry of Health has reported an increased number of individuals infected with Zika virus who even have GBS. GBS is an autoimmune disease that attacks the peripheral nervous system. It causes weakness within the legs and arms, and sometimes develops a flaccid paralysis. In severe cases, facial muscles weaken and affect eyes, swallowing, and respiration. Many individuals with GBS have a history of a recent viral or bacterial infection, so it is feasible that a percentage of individuals infected with Zika virus might also develop GBS.

There are currently no antiviral or other medications available to forestall or treat Zika virus. Rest, fluids, antipyretics, and pain medications are really helpful to treat symptoms. It is vital to notice that aspirin and NSAIDs must be avoided until dengue infection has been ruled out.

Bibliography
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, July 14). . Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/
Coyle, A. (2016). Zika virus: what nurses must know. , 22-24.
O’Malley, P. A. (2016). Zika virus: what we all know and what we do not know., 194-197.
Todd, B. (2016). Zika virus: an evolving epidemic. , 59-60.