32317 Zika Virus Update

Course overview

Discussion on the differences between endemic, outbreak, epidemic and pandemic, elements of patient teaching for pregnant women and elements of patient teaching used for the prevention of exposure to mosquitoes and Zika virus, recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for management of pregnant women exposed to Zika, signs and symptoms of Zika virus, and when to seek medical attention. While history of the Zika virus dates back to the 1940’s, research in recent years has linked the Zika virus to newborn microcephaly and other neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, and in February 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that these findings constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. While the end of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern regarding Zika was declared in November 2016, the Zika virus and associated consequences represent a great public health challenge in the future. These challenges must be managed by the WHO, countries and other partners in the same manner that other infectious disease threats are managed. In order to assist in effectively managing the Zika virus and its associated complications, education is crucial, and healthcare providers and nurses must be educated regarding all aspects of the Zika virus. In turn, healthcare providers will be able to appropriately educate patients, leading to better patient outcomes.