Zika Virus Disease: A Guide to Diagnosing, Treating and Preventing

Zika virus remains a significant global health concern due to its potential to cause severe congenital anomalies, neurological complications, and its transmission via both vector and non-vector routes. Zika Virus Disease: A Guide to Diagnosing, Treating, and Preventing is a focused continuing education course designed for nurses and healthcare providers working in infectious disease control, maternal health, public health, and travel medicine.

This evidence-based program provides up-to-date clinical guidance on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of Zika virus disease. Emphasis is placed on early detection, appropriate use of laboratory testing, recognition of at-risk populations (particularly pregnant patients), and implementation of preventive strategies to reduce both individual and community transmission.

Participants who complete this course will earn 1 Continuing Education (CE) Contact Hour, automatically reported to CE Broker. The content aligns with CDC recommendations and global best practices to ensure nurses are prepared to respond to both endemic outbreaks and imported cases.

This course integrates current clinical protocols and public health principles to support comprehensive care and risk reduction. Topics include:

• Virology and Epidemiology of Zika Virus: Overview of viral structure, transmission vectors (mosquito-borne and sexual), and global distribution.
• Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis: Common and atypical symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and use of serological and molecular testing.
• Zika in Pregnancy: Risks to fetal development, ultrasound monitoring, and counseling strategies for pregnant individuals.
• Neurological Complications: Evaluation and management of Guillain-Barré syndrome and other Zika-associated neuroinflammatory disorders.
• Treatment and Supportive Care: Current management recommendations, including symptom relief, hydration, and monitoring for complications.
• Prevention Strategies: Personal protection, vector control, community education, and travel advisories 
• Public Health Reporting Requirements: Mandatory case reporting, surveillance protocols, and outbreak response coordination.

Completion Requirements:

To complete this CE course and receive full credit, participants must:

• Register for the course.
• Review all course materials.
• Complete the course post-test with a score of 70% or higher.

Interactive case studies or real-world scenario questions may be included to enhance clinical application.

Important Disclosures:

• Conflict of Interest: The course planners, authors, and presenters have no financial or commercial conflicts of interest related to this educational activity.
• Commercial Support: This course has not received any sponsorship or financial support from commercial entities.
• Non-Endorsement: Approval of this course as a continuing education activity does not imply endorsement of any products, services, or companies mentioned within the content.
• Off-Label Product Use: No information related to off-label use of FDA-approved products is included in this course.