Zika virus infection in Brazil and its repercussions on reproductive health

ABSTRACT

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection represents a great concern especially in countries where the vector is found. The aim of this article is to encourage reflection on the relevance of this current issue and its repercussions on pregnancy, considering the rapid ZIKV dissemination in Brazil and the severe consequences of congenital infection. This is a reflective article about ZIKV infection in Brazil and its repercussions on reproductive health. We also reviewed epidemiological reports by the National Aggravation Notification System (SINAN) and recommendations for ZIKV prevention issued by Ministry of Health, Secretariat of Health Surveillance, Secretariat of Health Care. The following issues are discussed: the epidemiological situation in Brazil, congenital Zika syndrome, legislation on abortion and emergency contraception in Brazil, and ZIKV repercussions in relation to pregnant women, their families, and fertility regarding not only preventive care but also especially health communication based on the guidelines proposed by the Brazilian Unified Health System. In Brazil, ZIKV infection has implications that go beyond problems from adverse perinatal results. Issues that are strictly related to health, such as living conditions, access to health services, laws that warrant essential human rights and safe and updated information on disease prevention, present even greater challenges than vector control.

KEYWORDS:

• Zika virus disease
• sexual health
• severe congenital microcephaly
• reproductive health
• health communication

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Corrigendum

Ethical approval

This is a reflective piece and does not require ethical approval.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Maria Helena Baena de Moraes Lopes, PhD, Full Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Graduated in Nursing from Universidade Estadual de Campinas – UNICAMP (1981), Masters in Genetics and Molecular Biology from UNICAMP (1988), Doctor in Science from UNICAMP (1994) and a postdoctoral from Universidade Federal de São Paulo (2008). Leader in the Information and Communication in Health Research Group.

Maria Filomena Gouveia Vilela, PhD, Doctor Professor, Faculty of Nursing, UNICAMP. Graduated in Nursing from Universidade de São Paulo – USP (1982). Master in Collective Health from UNICAMP (1999). Doctor in Public Health from UNICAMP (2005). Member of the Brazilian Post-Graduation Association in Public Health (ABRASCO). Area of interest: Public Health.

Dalvani Marques, PhD, Doctor Professor, Faculty of Nursing, UNICAMP. Graduated in Nursing from UNICAMP (1994), Master in Nursing from UNICAMP (2003) and Doctor in Nursing from USP (2008). Area of interest: Public Health and Family Health.

Eliete Maria Silva, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, UNICAMP. Graduated in Nursing from USP (1984), Masters in Psychiatric Nursing from USP (1991) and Doctor in Nursing from USP (1997). Area of interest: nursing practices, health work process, research and training, nursing supervision, public health practices.

ORCID

Maria Helena Baena de Moraes Lopes http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7747-1140

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) [grant number 304610/2013-5].