Effects in the development of children exposed to zika virus in the fetal period: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To know the evidence available in the literature on the effects of the zika virus in children development after fetal exposure. Methods: This is an integrative literature review with 16 scientific articles found in five databases (PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus), based on the guiding question: “What are the effects in the development of children aged 0 to 6 years exposed to the zika virus in the fetal period? The STROBE statement was used for data extraction and evaluation of primary studies. Results: Exposure to the zika virus in the fetal period resulted in several congenital anomalies and/or changes in the central nervous system: microcephaly, ocular problems, neurosensorial problems, ventriculomegaly, intracranial calcification, cardiopathy, arthrogryposis, among others. Conclusion: The zika virus is neurotropic; its effect in the fetal nervous system causes irreparable damage to the child, so health professionals, especially nurses, must intensify maternal and also childcare.