Zika Virus Infection and Microcephaly

What causes congenital microcephaly?

Causes of congenital microcephaly may include genetic conditions (e.g., chromosomal abnormalities), craniosynostosis, cerebral anoxia, or maternal exposures (e.g., alcohol, mercury, radiation, or severe malnutrition) during pregnancy. Maternal infections that have been associated with microcephaly include cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus, rubella virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), varicella, Treponema pallidum (i.e., syphilis), and Toxoplasma gondii. Additional information about microcephaly is available on CDC’s Microcephaly website.

What is the link between Zika virus and microcephaly?

There is now scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly— a congenital malformation with smaller than normal head size for age and sex. It has also been associated with other birth defects and neurologic conditions in children and adults.

If a mother infected with Zika virus near the time of delivery passes the virus to her newborn at birth, can the baby develop microcephaly?

We do not know if a newborn who gets Zika virus infection around the time of birth will develop microcephaly after birth. Babies can develop microcephaly after birth if their head growth slows or fails to develop. There have been no reports of Zika virus infection around the time of birth leading to microcephaly in infants.

What abnormalities have been reported in infants with congenital Zika virus infection?

In addition to severe microcephaly, a pattern of other birth defects, called congenital Zika syndrome, has been found, which is unique to fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth. This pattern includes thin cerebral cortices with subcortical calcifications; macular scarring and focal pigmentary retinal mottling; congenital contractures, such as clubfoot or arthrogryposis; and hypertonia restricting body movement soon after birth.

Congenital Zika virus infection has also been associated with other abnormalities, including but not limited to brain atrophy and asymmetry, abnormally formed or absent brain structures, hydrocephalus, and neuronal migration disorders. Reported neurologic findings include, hyperreflexia, irritability, tremors, seizures, brainstem dysfunction, and dysphagia. Reported eye abnormalities include microphthalmia, lens subluxation, cataracts, intraocular calcifications, optic nerve atrophy, optic nerve hypoplasia and pallor, macular pallor, macular chorioretinitis, and chorioretinal atrophy. Other anomalies include excessive and redundant scalp skin.

How is microcephaly diagnosed?

Microcephaly is diagnosed when an infant’s head is smaller than expected as compared to infants of the same age (or gestational age) and sex. For the purpose of evaluating an infant for possible congenital Zika virus infection, microcephaly is defined as occipitofrontal circumference less than the third percentile, based on standard growth charts for sex, age, and gestational age at birth. For a diagnosis of microcephaly to be made, the occipitofrontal circumference should be disproportionately small in comparison with the length of the infant and not explained by other etiologies (e.g., other congenital disorders).

What are the microcephaly case defintions?

Pregnancy Outcomes and Microcephaly Diagnosis

What are the potential sequelae of microcephaly?

For infants diagnosed with microcephaly, head size correlates with underlying brain size. However, these measurements do not consistently predict long term sequelae. Neurologic sequelae may include seizures, vision or hearing problems, and developmental disabilities. Symptoms vary with the extent of brain disruption. Additional information about microcephaly is available on CDC’s Microcephaly webpage.

What is the difference between occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) and head circumference (HC)?

Head circumference and occipitofrontal circumference are the same. These terms can be used interchangeably.

When should occipitofrontal circumference (OFC)/head circumference (HC) be measured?

Although head circumference measurements may be influenced by molding and other factors related to delivery, the measurements should be taken on the first day of life because commonly-used birth head circumference reference charts by age and sex are based on measurements taken before 24 hours of age. The most important factor is that the head circumference is carefully measured and documented. If measurement within the first 24 hours of life is not done, the head circumference should be measured as soon as possible after birth.

How should occipitofrontal circumference (OFC)/head circumference (HC) be measured?

Head circumference measurements should be taken using a tape measure that cannot be stretched. The tape is securely wrapped around the widest possible circumference of the head, 1–2 finger widths above the eyebrow on the forehead and at the most prominent part of the back of the head. Ideally, the measurement should be taken 3 times and the largest measurement recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm. It may be helpful to have the parent or nurse hold the infant’s arms.