Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children with Laboratory Evidence of Prenatal Zika Virus Exposure-Puerto Rico, 2023

Infection during pregnancy with Zika virus, a mosquito -borne flavivirus, can cause birth defects and neurodevelop-mental abnormalities (1). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by social and communication impairment and restricted or repetitive pat-terns of behavior or interests (2); possible associations between antenatal exposure to a limited number of viruses and ASD have been observed (2). The U.S. Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry (USZPIR)* monitors children born during January 1, 2016-March 31, 2018, to women with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. This report used data from USZPIR and the Puerto Rico Autism Registry & DAG; to estimate the prevalence of ASD diagnoses among children with possible prenatal Zika virus exposure and to describe prenatal characteristics and other outcomes by ASD diagnosis status. This activity was reviewed by CDC and was conducted con-sistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.

Automated summary

Infection with Zika virus during pregnancy can lead to birth defects and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Previous studies have suggested a possible link between prenatal exposure to certain viruses and autism spectrum disorder. This study utilized data from the U.S. Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry to estimate the prevalence of ASD among children with potential prenatal Zika virus exposure and explore the characteristics and outcomes associated with ASD diagnosis.