Zika Virus Disease

The purpose of this course is to enhance the knowledge and skill of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals who may be called upon to address the concerns of international travelers, provide advice to women of childbearing age, or assess febrile rash illness in persons recently returned from endemic areas. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Describe the historical background and dynamics of the emerging Zika virus epidemic in the Americas and its potential impact on public health.
2. Discuss and advise patients as to the risks of Zika virus transmission via various routes.
3. Recognize and manage a patient presenting with characteristic clinical and epidemiologic features of acute Zika virus disease.
4. Discuss the salient features of microcephaly, including the incidence, causative factors, and clinical and pathologic findings unique to congenital Zika virus infection.
5. Select the appropriate laboratory diagnostic tests for Zika virus in relation to a patient's clinical profile and the time elapsed since exposure or onset of symptoms.
6. Using your knowledge of Zika virus disease, devise a management plan for persons with known or suspected infection.
7. Using knowledge of Zika virus shedding by infected men and the risk of sexual transmission, counsel infected men and couples on the importance and recommended duration of safe sex practice.
8. Using knowledge of vector transmission and the behavior of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, devise an effective strategy for avoiding bites, limiting exposure, and eliminating mosquito-breeding habitat.

This 3-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.