Do Children with Zika Virus Syndrome Experience Major Growth Delays and Nutritional Disorders?

Between 2015 and 2016, Brazil was one of the first countries to establish a link between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and the birth of children suffering from microcephaly. Today, research shows that these children, affected by congenital Zika virus syndrome, are particularly vulnerable to growth and nutritional problems.

Studies reveal that nearly half of these children exhibit growth delays, excessive thinness, or overweight before even reaching the age of four. Some have a height well below normal, a phenomenon known as growth delay that affects between 14% and 57% of cases, according to research. Others suffer from insufficient weight for their age, a situation observed in 14% to 54% of children. More rarely, some develop excess weight, affecting 4% to 68% of cases.

These nutritional disorders often worsen over time. Children with Zika virus syndrome frequently struggle to feed properly. Many have difficulty swallowing, a disorder called dysphagia that complicates food intake and promotes malnutrition. Other factors exacerbate the situation: breastfeeding for too short a period, early weaning, late introduction of complementary foods, or regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are poor in essential nutrients.

Children fed exclusively by mouth are twice as likely to be underweight compared to those receiving adapted feeding via tube or other methods. Conversely, those who rely on these alternative methods can sometimes gain too much weight. Medical complications such as reflux, seizures, or constipation, which are common in these children, also disrupt their feeding and development.

These findings highlight the importance of rigorous nutritional monitoring and tailored care. Healthcare professionals must closely monitor the growth of these children and offer personalized solutions to prevent deficiencies or excess weight. Families, for their part, need clear guidance to adopt the best feeding practices and support their child’s development. A comprehensive approach, combining medical care, nutritional support, and caregiver education, is essential to improve the quality of life and long-term health prospects of these children.

Information and Sources

Scientific Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-026-04252-5

Title: Malnutrition in Children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Journal: Maternal and Child Health Journal

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Deysiane Santiago da Silva; Letícia Karla Cunha dos Santos; Suamy Sales Barbosa; Ádila Danielly Souza Costa; Nivia Maria Rodrigues Arrais; Karla Danielly da Silva Ribeiro; Márcia Marilia Gomes Dantas Lopes