Pregnancy with
Chikungunya &Zika Virus
Infections
Fahmida Rashid Swati
FCPS, MS, MSc(UK), FRM(Infertility & ART)
Assistant Professor, Obs & Gynae, CMC
Infertility Specialist, CHEVRON Fertility Centre
Country Representative-ASPIRE
Member-REI subcommittee –SAFOG
2.
Introduction
World Population
Lives inendemic
regions
17% of all
infectious diseases
Globally:
Vector-borne
diseases
> 1 million
deaths/Year
Major global health
concerns
Arboviral Disease:
• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Zika
Pan American Health Organization. Chikungunya: Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis World Health Organization. 2020.
3.
Global Cases ofArboviral Diseases in 2024
620000
24000
Zika
Chikungunya
https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-arbovirus-initiative DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62640-x
7.6 million
dengue
4.
Mosquito vectors :
Ae.aegypti & Ae. albopictus
Chikungunya virus
[alphavirus]
Zika virus
[flavivirus]
Dengue virus
[flavivirus]
Can cocirculate &
Coinfect
in a geographic
region
Mode of Transmission of
Chikungunya__Zika_Dengue Virus Infection:
5.
A mosquito bitesa
person with
Chikungunya/Zika
Mosquitoes become infective
after virus multiplying 10 days
within mosquito
Infective mosquito bites a
Healthy person
Incubation period:
Chikungunya:3-7days
Zika: 3-14 days
Fever persists for 3-10 days
Chikungunya: High Grade
Zika: Low Grade
Mode of Primary Transmission of Chikungunya__Zika Virus Infection:
• Daytime biters,
• Peak in early
morning & late
afternoon
https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/php/transmission/index.html
6.
Chikungunya Fever: Otherroute of Transmission
Maternal-fetal
Transmission:
3rd
Trimester Mainly
Blood products
(rare)
Panning M et al, 2008
7.
Mosquito Bite: InfectedAedes aegypti, A. albopictus
Blood
Products
Organ and
Tissue
Transplant
(rare)
Maternal-fetal
Transmission
Sexual
Transmission
(male or female partners)
Laboratory
Exposure
Fertility
Treatmen
t
Breastfeedin
g
Rare
Zika : Other Modes of Transmission
Intrauterin
e
Perinatal
https://www.cdc.gov/zika/php/transmission/index.html
8.
Zika Virus &Sexual Transmission
Modes of
Sexual
Transmission
Spread through vaginal,
anal, oral sex, via sharing
sex toys
Virus persists
longer in semen
than in vaginal
fluids, urine, or
blood
Can occur before symptoms,
during illness, after recovery
—
even if no symptoms develop
https://www.cdc.gov/zika/php/transmission/index.html
9.
• ֎Female traveler:
•Use barrier method or abstain for at least 8 weeks after return, symptom
onset, or diagnosis
• ֎Male traveler:
• Use barrier method or abstain for at least 6 months after return, symptom
onset, or diagnosis
After Travel to Zika-Risk Areas/After being
Infected
Prevention of Sexual Transmission of ZIKA
Chikungunya fever :
Rapidgeographic spread
& Large outbreaks –
2013–2017
Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean
islands, Europe, Americas
> two million suspected
cases in recent decades
• CHIK Virus : A Single-stranded RNA virus
Pan American Health Organization. Chikungunya: Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis World Health Organization. 2020.
12.
Viremia develops withindays of infection
Viral invasion & replication in joints(Fibroblast), synovium, tenosynovium, & skeletal
muscle satellite cells, myotendinous insertions
Inflammatory response: proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines →
leukocyte recruitment
Clearance: virus cleared from blood in days; joints in 1–2 weeks
Viral RNA persistence: may remain in tissues for weeks–months
(variable findings)
Chronic arthritis persists (~70% at 3 months)
Pathogenesis:
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
Pregnancy Susceptibility andRisk Factors of Chikungunya
Infection
Susceptibility
↑ risk due to
immune changes
Endemic or epidemic
Regions
90% pregnancies
in risky areas
Higher risk of adverse
pregnancy outcomes
In last trimester
15.
Maternal Outcome duringPregnancy
Symptoms Mimic
Pregnancy-Related
Discomforts
Generally, no significant harm to
mother or fetus
Some link to-
Pre-eclampsia
Sepsis
Hemorrhage
16.
Maternal and FetalComplications:Vertical transmission
2–48%
3rd trimester
Risk of transmission
highest in during
intrapartum period
(2 days before delivery
-2 days after delivery)
17.
Maternal Monitoring
• Viremicmothers near delivery require close monitoring due to
~50% vertical transmission risk
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
18.
No evidence of
↑↑miscarriage or
malformations
Maternal-fetal transmission in Symptomatic women : 1st
Trimester
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
19.
Chikungunya transmission duringpregnancy
Transmission
prevention
C-section or postponing
delivery does not
prevent transmission.
Pregnancy risks
Unlike dengue, there is
no risk of
↑
abruption, hemorrhage,
preterm birth, or LBW.
20.
Clinical Presentation
Exposure to
Virus
Symptoms
Appear
3-7
dayslater
Viremia Stage
First 5-7 days
Convalescent
Stage:
Next 10 days
Chronic Phase
Persistent
symptoms
> months - yr
Acute phase illness
Virus cannot be
detected in the
blood Joint pain
& fatigue
21.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS:
a
s,
Acute ChikungunyaInfection
Incubation:
3–7 days (range 1–14)
Duration of acute illness :
7–10 days
Onset:
Abrupt – fever, malaise;
joint pain may precede fever
Fever:
High grade (>39°C),
lasts 3–5 days
Musculoskeletal:
Arthralgia (70%), rapid
polyarthritis, bilateral &
symmetric, distal joints,
synovitis, tenosynovitis,
↓ grip strength
Dermatologic:
Rash (40–75%), pruritic;
atypical – bullous lesions
(children),
hyperpigmentation,
ear chondritis
Other:
Headache, myalgia,
conjunctivitis,
lymphadenopathy, GI upset,
oral ulcers
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
22.
Severe Complications :In mainly in elderly, children, comorbidities
Systemic:
Respiratory failure,
myocarditis, CV
decompensation, hepatitis,
renal failure, hemorrhage
Neurologic:
Meningoencephalitis
Guillain-Barré syndrome,
myelitis, seizures (children),
cranial palsies
Ocular:
Uveitis, retinitis, episcleritis,
hearing loss
Rare:
Skin necrosis
Mortality:
Reported in major
outbreaks
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
23.
Chronic Arthritis &Arthralgia
Prevalence:
25–75% develop chronic
musculoskeletal disease
Persistence:
Months–years;
median resolution ~6 months
Risk factors:
Age ≥45,
severe acute arthritis,
pre-existing OA,
>4 days acute symptoms
Imaging/biopsy:
Inflammatory arthritis changes
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
24.
Infection at paediatricages, neonates and small infants
<6 months :
highest risk for case fatality & lifelong disabilities
25.
Fetal Complications ofChikungunya
Fetal Complications
Antepartum Fetal Deaths
In 2nd & 3rd trimesters(rare)
Labor Issues common-
FHR decelerations &
meconium-stained liquor
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
Preterm Labour
Fetal loss
26.
Neonatal Infection –due to Vertical Transmission
Onset:
3–7 days after delivery
& Low or undetectable
viral load at birth
Clinical features:
Most of the infected neonates were born healthy,
But later develop CHIKV sepsis clinical syndrome
within the first week of life-
Fever, poor feeding, petechiae, skin rash,
intertriginous aphthous-like ulcer, peripheral
edema
Neurodevelopmental
outcomes:
Delayed coordination,
language,
movement/posture,
sociability
Confirm:
Detection of chikungunya
viral RNA via RT-PCR or IgM-
& IgG-specific serology
Lab abnormalities:
↑ Liver enzymes
↓ Lymphocytes
Thrombocytopenia,
↑ Prothrombin time
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
27.
Life- Threatening Complications
occursin ½ of the neonates
Lethargy
CHIKV-associated CNS
Disease
Multiple
Organ Dysfunction
Syndrome
Hemorrhages
disseminated
intravascular
Coagulation)
Life-Threatening Complications in Neonates
Encephalopathy or encephalitis
Cerebral edema
Intracranial hemorrhage
Circulatory
Collapse
Myocardial involvement
Diagnosis Challenging →Dueto overlapping features with
dengue and other arboviruses.
Detect Viral
RNA
Detection of viral
RNA through
molecular tests
Identify
Antibodies
Detection of virus-
specific antibodies
in blood
Blood test
30.
Clinical suspicion:
Acute onsetof fever + polyarthralgia
Epidemiologic exposure (travel/residence in endemic area)
Day 1–7(Acute Phase) :
RT-PCR
(RNA virus in Blood)
Positive confirms CHIKV
infection
Detects viral RNA with
Sensitivity 100%,
Specificity 98%
Day ≥8(Subacute/Chronic) or (-)ive RT-PCR:
Serology (ELISA)
+ive IgM or IgG confirms infection
IgM:
Detectable ~Day 5,
persists for weeks–3M
IgG:
Appears ~2 weeks, persists
for years → indicates past
infection
Positive IgG indicates prior
infection,
not necessarily current arthritic
symptoms
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
31.
Test for
dengue andZika viruses,
as symptoms overlap
A single PCR test for
CHIKV, dengue, and Zika is
available
In pregnancy
Rule out other causes of
fever/arthralgia (e.g.,
parvovirus, rubella) to
guide management
Chikungunya fever: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
Treatment of ChikungunyaInfection in Pregnancy:
: General Principles
Rx depends on
disease phase &
symptom severity
No specific antiviral
therapy;
Mx: supportive &
symptomatic
Pregnancy requires
cautious medication
use to minimize
fetal risks, especially
during viremia
(first ~9 days)
Chikungunya fever: Treatment and prevention. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025,
34.
Acute Phase (First7–10 Days, Up to 1 Month):
Supportive Care:
Rest, hydration
Acetaminophen
(Paracetamol):
First-line for fever/pain
(500–1000 mg, 3x daily).
NSAIDs
(e.g., Naproxen, Ibuprofen):
If acetaminophen
inadequate& dengue
excluded
Opioids (e.g., Tramadol,
Oxycodone):
For severe pain – lowest
dose, shortest duration.
Topical Treatments:
Calamine lotion,
antihistamines for
rash/itching
Systemic glucocorticoids:
Avoid during the acute phase
[exacerbate viremia]
Lowest dose & shortest duration:
Naproxen 375–500 mg twice daily,
Ibuprofen 400–800 mg three times
daily
Contraindication:
3rd
trimester
(fetal ductus arteriosus closure risk).
Chikungunya fever: Treatment and prevention. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025,
35.
Post-Acute Phase (1–3Months):
Symptoms:
Persistent joint pain, tendinitis, or bursitis.
Continue
acetaminophen/NSAIDs
at minimal doses;
attempt to
taper/discontinue.
Glucocorticoids:
Use glucocorticoids cautiously during
pregnancy &
Monitor fetal safety.
Indication: For severe synovitis with
elevated inflammatory markers
Dose: prednisone 10–20 mg daily for 5 days,
tapered over 10 days.
Chikungunya fever: Treatment and prevention. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025,
36.
Chronic Phase (>3Months):
Symptoms: Chronic arthritis , resembling rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis
Confirm CHIKV with IgG
serology;
Rule out other arthritis
DMARDs:
Sulfasalazine (SSZ)
Glucocorticoids:
Low-dose prednisone
(5–7.5 mg daily) or SSZ if
needed, with obstetric
consultation.
Chronic Arthritis Impact:
May affect maternal
mobility and caregiving;
Mx: supportive care &
physical therapy.
Chikungunya fever: Treatment and prevention. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025,
37.
Chikungunya Vaccine Development: Current Status
Pregnancy data are limited, &
Most public-health organisations
recommend deferring routine chikungunya
vaccination until after delivery
Authorized :
one live-attenuated vaccine
(IXCHIQ/VLA1553) and
one non-replicating/virus-like-particle
vaccine
Why is itcalled Zika Virus(ZIKV)???
Zika Virus
Named after Zika Forest
Uganda
1947 Major outbreaks:
• French Polynesia (2013–14)
• Brazil (2015–16)
| DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-00253-1
40.
Why important now?
PetersenE et.al. 2016 at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid
Zika Virus Spreads Rapidly
Microcephaly
Rise
Global
Emergency
Linked to congenital
anomalies & impaired
neurodevelopment
Declared by the WHO-
2016
Zika Virus
Rapid spread in Americas
Petersen E et al. 2016 at http://www.cdc.gov/eid
41.
Zika in Pregnancy
ProsCons
No
increased
susceptibilit
y
Limited
information
Infection can occur
in any trimester
No evidence of
severe disease in
pregnancy
No breastfeeding
spread
Unknown incidence
Fever
(Low Grade: 37.8°C
and38.5°C)
Maculopapular
rash
(often pruritic)
Myalgia/
Arthralgia
(small Joint of hand &
Feet),swollen
Conjunctivitis
Symptoms
appear 3–14
days post-
exposure
Maternal Clinical Features: range from mild to severe
Symptoms:
• Often mild
• ~20% symptomatic
[1 in 4 ]
44.
Post-infection asthenia
Prolonged weaknessafter infection
Neurological complications
Retro-ocular Headache
Zika symptoms range from mild to severe
complications.
Guillain–Barré syndrome reported
DIAGNOSES &
TESTING FORZIKA
NO test if NO travel
history to risk area
Test if ≥2 symptoms
during or within 2
weeks of travel
47.
Ask about travel/residenceor
unprotected sexual contact with
persons from endemic areas
Symptomatic pregnant
patients
Test ASAP
Serum & urine for ZIKV
rRT-PCR [NAAT] + IgM;
Test for dengue concurrently
Asymptomatic with
ongoing exposure
rRT-PCR [NAAT] up to
3 times during
pregnancy
Asymptomatic with
limited exposure
Individualized
testing
Diagnosis of ZIKA in Pregnancy
NAAT: nucleic
acid
amplification
test Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
48.
Zika Virus DiagnosticTimeline in Pregnancy
Paired Serum
Samples
First 2 Weeks Up to 12 Weeks Any Time
Acute Infection
Diagnosis
rRT-PCR detects viral
RNA in maternal
serum, urine,
or amniotic fluid
Serological
Testing
Plaque reduction
neutralization
test(PRNT)
identifies virus-
specific neutralizing
antibodies
Tissue
Analysis
IgM & neutralizing
antibodies tested in
serum, may cross-
react with other
flaviviruses
Immunohistochemical
(IHC)
staining or
RT-PCR on fixed tissues
detects viral
antigens
49.
How can Zikaaffect pregnancies?
Pass from a
pregnant woman to
fetus during
pregnancy Or
around time of birth
50.
Risk throughout
pregnancy
• Reportedvertical
transmission rates:
26–65%
Transmission
occurs in
symptomatic &
asymptomatic
mothers
Vertical Transmission
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
51.
FIRST TRIMESTER
Disrupting
neurogenesis
Leads tosevere congenital
neurological abnormalities:
Absent or poorly developed brain
structures
Including
microcephaly
DURING
PREGNANCY
Congenital Zika
syndrome
Linked to –
miscarriage,
stillbirth,
Birth defects: Eye,
ear(hearing),Impaired
growth
Transmission in FIRST TRIMESTER
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
52.
Maternal infection
Placental infection
Fetalbrain
ZIKV targets neuronal
progenitor cells
Disrupts growth,
proliferation, migration,
differentiation
Impaired neurodevelopment
Greatest vulnerability in first half of pregnancy
Congenital Infection – Pathogenesis
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
53.
Congenital Zika Syndromeand Birth
Defects
Severe Microcephaly(Primary/Secondary) →
partially collapsed skull
↓Brain Tissue with brain damage
Ventriculomegaly, cortical malformations
Defects
Limited Joint Motion---Club foot
Arthrogryposis[multiple congenital joint contractures]
↑Muscle Tone→ restricting body movement soon after birth
Distinct pattern of birth defects in fetuses & infants
Ocular abnormalities: maculopathy, optic nerve changes
Damage to back of eye with a specific pattern of scarring & ↑ pigment
Intracranial calcifications
Growth restriction, fetal loss
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of
pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3,
54.
Head circumference
>2 SDbelow mean or
<3rd percentile
Previous infection
will not affect future
pregnancies
Can be proportionate
or disproportionate
May develop postnatally
(secondary
microcephaly)
More frequent with
first-trimester
infection
Microcephaly
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant
patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
55.
• For alllab-
confirmed
ZIKV
Prenatal
ultrasound
every 3–4
weeks
• Earliest
abnormalities
detected
USG at ~18–20
weeks
• Every 4
weeks (at
least one
between 28–
33 weeks)
Serial scans
• For
clarification
of abnormal
USG
MRI
Antenatal Monitoring: Fetal Imaging
• Recommend: Referral to a maternal-
fetal medicine specialist
If Positive or inconclusive Zika virus testing results in serum or amniotic
fluid
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
56.
Zika Infection Monitoringand Detection During Pregnancy
Detect
Microcephaly
Detect Brain
Abnormalities
Grade
Severity
Based
on HC
From 2nd
trimester onward.
57.
Range of MicrocephalySeverity
Severe microcephaly –
limited life expectancy & poor brain function:
Neurological impairment, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, intellectual
disability, feeding difficulties, vision/hearing impairment.
HC > –3 SD below
the mean.
HC –2 to –3 SD below
the mean
symptomatic or have
milder
developmental delay
59.
What to testin Pregnancy to confirm Vertical Transmission?
Antepartum
Consider amniocentesis if
abnormal ultrasound and/or
positive maternal test:
RT-PCR
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
60.
Amniocentesis Timeline
Consider if:
–Abnormal fetal USG
– Positive or inconclusive maternal
ZIKV test
– Results affect pregnancy Mx
Best timing:
≥21 weeks gestation &
at least 6–8 weeks after maternal
infection (allows virus to reach
amniotic fluid)
Positive rRT-PCR in amniotic fluid
= Indicate fetal exposure
(but not predictive of severity)
Negative rRT-PCR does not exclude
fetal infection
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
61.
Postnatal/
Placental Testing
Timeline
At delivery
(ifmaternal
ZIKV infection
suspected):
Test placenta & cord
by rRT-PCR &
IHC
Evaluate
newborn for
congenital ZIKV
syndrome
Serology of cord
blood[IgM and
neutralizing
antibodies]
For fetal
loss/stillbirth:
ZIKV rRT-PCR &
histopathology
on fetal tissues,
placenta, cord
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
62.
Neonatal screening
• Measure
after24
hours of
birth
Head
circumference
• with
standard
nomogram
Compare
• USG/CT/MRI
of brain
If
microcephaly
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
63.
Assessment: neurologic abnormalities,dysmorphic
features, enlarged liver or spleen, and rash/other skin
lesions
Specialist Consultation for any abnormal findings
Ophthalmologic Evaluation before hospital discharge or
within 1 month after birth
Hearing Evaluation by evoked otoacoustic emissions testing or
auditory brainstem response testing before hospital discharge
or within 1 month after birth
Evaluation for all infants with positive or inconclusive Zika virus test results
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
64.
Long-term follow-up ofinfants with positive or
inconclusive Zika virus test results
Hearing screen at 6 months &
audiology follow-up of
abnormal newborn hearing
screening
Continued evaluation of
developmental characteristics-
milestones & HC, through 1st
year of life
Consultation with appropriate medical
specialists (e.g., pediatric neurology,
developmental and behavioral pediatrics,
physical and speech therapy) if any
abnormalities are noted and as concerns arise
65.
Zika and Guillain-BarreSyndrome
Case Rate
2.3 Guillain-Barré cases per
1,000 Zika patients.
1
Zika and Guillain-
Barre Association
2
WHO Discussion
No specific antiviraltreatment
Symptomatic management: rest, fluids, acetaminophen
Avoid NSAIDs until dengue ruled out & after 32 weeks
gestation
Psychosocial support for affected families
Management of Pregnant Patient
No vaccine or medications or anti-viral Rx are available to prevent or treat Zika
infections.
Avoid Mosquito
Bites in 1st
week pf
Infection .
It Prevents further
transmission
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
68.
Labor & Delivery
Routineobstetric policies for timing and mode of
Delivery
Spinal/Epidural anaesthesia safe if no Guillain-Barré
syndrome
Evaluate placenta/cord post-delivery if maternal
infection suspected
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
69.
• It isNot a medical treatment
for Zika
• But an option in context of
poor fetal prognosis suspected.
• Role determined by local laws,
maternal choice, and ethical
frameworks
Role of
Termination
of
pregnancy
in cases of
Zika-related
Severe
microcephal
y
Aiken A, Aiken CE, Trussell J. In the midst of Zika pregnancy advisories, termination of pregnancy is the elephant in the room. BJOG. 2017;124(4):546-548.
doi:10.1111/1471-0528.14296
70.
Prevention
No vaccine availableyet
Avoid travel to ZIKV areas
if pregnant
Strict mosquito protection
Sexual transmission
prevention
Follow blood donation &
standard precautions
Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant patients. In UpToDate. Retrieved October 3, 2025
71.
Take-Home Message –Chikungunya in Pregnancy
Pregnancy does not markedly worsen
maternal illness, but vertical transmission
can occur, particularly if the mother is
viremic at delivery.
Most pregnancies have a favourable
outcome;
Neonates infected intrapartum may
develop sepsis-like illness, encephalitis or
long-term neurodevelopmental problems.
No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment
exists in Pregnancy;
Care : supportive
Prevention is critical
72.
Take-Home Message –Zika Virus in Pregnancy
Infection can occur in any
trimester - often mild,
Congenital Zika syndrome -
result from first-trimester
exposure
Congenital Zika syndrome:
severe microcephaly, cortical
malformations, eye lesions,
clubfoot, hypertonia and long-
term neurodevelopmental
impairment.
No vaccine or specific antiviral
therapy;
Mx is supportive
Prevention remains the
mainstay
All pregnant women with
possible exposure should be
counselled & tested
appropriately
Serial fetal ultrasound every 3–
4 weeks is recommended if
infection is suspected or
confirmed.
Infants of exposed mothers
require cranial imaging,
ophthalmic and auditory
evaluation, and long-term
developmental follow-up.
#2 Arthropod-borne viral (arbovirus) diseases, including chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, have emerged as significant global health concerns, with nearly 50% of the world’s population living in endemic regions.
Globally, vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 1 million deaths annually [1].
#3 . In 2024, global reports recorded more than 7.6 million dengue cases, 620,000 chikungunya cases, and 24,000 Zika cases worldwide (1–3).
#11 In recent decades, CHIKV has emerged as a major public health concern due to rapid geographic spread and large outbreaks across Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean islands, Europe, and the Americas, with over two million suspected cases reported [4,5].
#15 Pregnancy is associated with immune changes that increase susceptibility to infections, including arboviruses.
Nearly 90% of pregnancies occur in endemic or epidemic regions, while others face risk through travel (28).
Clinical features in pregnant women are similar to the general population,
Risk of severe illness and complications—such as preterm birth, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, haemorrhage, and maternal death—is higher (28,16,29).
#16 Arthralgia-Leads to in stiffness and immobility of affected Joints, in both hands and legs symmetrically
#21 include severe arthralgia, high fever, rash, and fatigue, often mimicking pregnancy-related discomforts. (Vouga, 2019)
Acute phase illness - Two stages are identified
Viral stage - First 5-7 days in which viremia occurs.
Stage of convalescent – It follows the viral stage for approximately the next 10 days, during which the symptoms improve and the virus cannot be detected in the blood
- Chronic phase: persistent joint pain and fatigue lasting months to years.
#32 Test for dengue and Zika viruses, as symptoms overlap. A single PCR test for CHIKV, dengue, and Zika is available through the CDC or qualified labs.
In pregnancy, rule out other causes of fever/arthralgia (e.g., parvovirus, rubella) to guide management.
#49 Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for viral antigens or RT-PCR on fixed tissues
#54 Damage to back of eye with a specific pattern of scarring and increased pigment
#72 Termination of pregnancy in cases of Zika-related microcephaly is not a medical treatment for Zika, but an option in the context of poor fetal prognosis. Its role is determined by local laws, maternal choice, and ethical frameworks.