P R Health Sci J
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The world has encountered a new and serious epidemic which has disproportionately affected fetuses and infants. What makes the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic such a threat in our times, is that a whole generation can be affected by birth defects caused by a seemingly innocuous maternal infection, which in most cases go unnoticed and undiagnosed. Spreading to over 80 countries and affecting millions, it is associated with severe birth defects known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), which include fetal brain development abnormalities (microcephaly and brain calcifications), retinal abnormalities, and contractures and hypertonia of the extremities. ⋯ If the ZIKV can infect, multiply in, and persist in diverse placental cells, then movement across the placenta, the fetal brain, and the maternal peripheral blood is possible. There is a sense of urgency, and we need safe and effective vaccines and treatments, particularly for pregnant women. If we do not expand testing and develop methods for early diagnosis and treatment, thousands of infants will be exposed to a neurotropic virus that causes severe birth defects and that could also affect the lives of those who form the next generation.
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Case Reports
The Zika Virus: An Association to Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the United States - A Case Report.
Case of a 37 year-old Puerto Rican male with no past medical history who was admitted to the hospital after developing paresthesia in the upper and lower extremities with associated skin rash, weakness, and dysautonomia. After rigorous analysis of the clinical patterns, neurologic manifestations, laboratory workups, CSF analysis, and nerve conduction studies we conclude the existence of a strong relationship between the Zika virus and the Guillain-Barré syndrome. The patient recovered promptly and his response to treatment was excellent.
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On February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ZIKV virus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Pregnant women and their infants, are vulnerable to the impact of this vector-borne illness (mosquito) and sexually transmitted viral infection. The uncertainty surrounding the possibility of congenital anomalies due to ZIKV infection during pregnancy bring a renewed debate about the rights of women to control their reproductive decisions. ⋯ CEMI approaches the care of pregnant women from a reproductive justice perspective, integrating clinical services, education, research, and advocacy. Transformación Prenatal (Centering Group Prenatal Care, GPC) currently implemented at the Puerto Rico University Hospital High Risk Clinics has been pivotal to achieve this aim. Based on the health professionals' experiences and women's testimonies, we articulate a set of principles and key actions that would benefit women, their family and children.
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The Zika virus epidemic and the possible devastating teratogenic effects of the virus represent a challenge. Health authorities have the responsibility to create programs that provide adequate preventive, medical and psychological services to the affected population. The estimated risk of microcephaly in infants of mothers infected with Zika virus is 1 to 13% when the infection occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. ⋯ The discussion rests on the assumption that there are lives that are not worth living. Most people focus on the most severely affected patients, but few consider that the spectrum of disabilities associated with congenital Zika infection is broad. The rights of children with disabilities and their dignity as individuals should be respected.