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

Article excerpt

Infants exposed to Zika virus in the womb may develop vision, hearing, and social problems even when born without obvious birth defects, according to research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The findings highlight a troubling gap: babies can pass initial health checks while harboring hidden developmental delays that emerge later. Researchers stress the need for more rigorous developmental screening during a child's first year, when these issues become detectable. The study underscores how prenatal viral exposure can have delayed neurological consequences that standard newborn assessments might miss.