Prenatal Zika exposure may trigger vision, hearing and social changes despite seemingly healthy births

Infants exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy may develop hidden developmental challenges despite appearing healthy at birth, according to research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The study reveals that prenatal Zika exposure can affect vision, hearing, and social development in ways that may not be immediately apparent. These findings underscore the critical importance of comprehensive developmental screening during an infant's first year of life to identify potential complications early. For Puerto Rico, where Zika transmission remains a public health concern, this research emphasizes the need for enhanced prenatal monitoring and early intervention programs to support affected children.