Pediatricians Central in Zika Patient Care

By
Cynthia Weiss

Pediatricians Central in Zika Patient Care

July 25, 2016

a baby or infant's head being cradled in the hands of a doctor in a white coat with a stethoscope
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to track pregnant women with Zika infections, the organization has said that due to the risks, children – and infants especially – must be monitored closely after confirmed exposure for developmental and neurological issues.

A recent report indicates that children affected with Zika will need multidisciplinary care, particularly since the implications of the illness may not be apparent for some time.

“The primary pediatrician will play a critical role in following a Zika-exposed infant or child, not only to closely monitor growth and development, but to coordinate care with specialists such as pediatric ophthalmologists, ear, nose and throat physicians, and neurologists,” says Dr. Vandana Bhide, an internist and pediatrician at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Jacksonville, Florida.

“Other important roles of the pediatrician include ensuring timely vaccinations and blood tests for children as well as appropriate referrals to intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy for those youngsters found to have motor and intellectual developmental delays,” she adds.

Pediatricians also can be a valuable support resource for families who suddenly find themselves caring for a special needs child.

Related posts:

Non-travel Zika Case Spurs Concerns: Tips for Protection (July 22, 2016)
Mayo Clinic Minute: Zika Endemic Areas (April 22, 2016)
Zika Virus: Four Myths and What You Need to Know (April 18, 2016)
Zika Virus News: Birth Defect Link Confirmed (April 14, 2016)
Mayo Clinic Minute: Protect Yourself From Zika Virus (April 8, 2016)
Zika Virus: CDC Guidelines and Pregnancy (April 1, 2016)
Should Women Wait to Get Pregnant If Traveling to Zika-Endemic Area? (March 15, 2016)
Developing a Vaccine to Protect Against Zika Virus (March 8, 2016)
Mayo Clinic Begins Development of Zika Virus Vaccine (March 7, 2016)
Further Investigation Needed on Zika Link to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (March 3, 2016)
Zika Virus and Microcephaly: Need for More Research (Feb. 22, 2016)
Guillain-Barr é Syndrome and Zika: Is There a Connection? (Feb. 17, 2016)
Zika Virus Impacts Blood Donations (Feb. 5, 2016)
Transmission of Zika Virus and Dangers of Mosquitoes (Feb. 4, 2016)
WHO Says Microcephaly-Zika Virus Link International Emergency (Feb. 1, 2016)
Mayo Clinic Minute: Zika Virus (Jan. 21, 2016)

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