Psychological support for pregnant women, persons with Guillain-Barre syndrome and / or families affected by the Zika virus

The incidence of Microcephaly and / or Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has increased in several countries, concurrent with a Zika virus outbreak. Physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers must be aware of the strategies to be utilized when consulting with the following groups of persons and their families: pregnant women; pregnant women with suspected or confirmed Zika virus infection; pregnant women who know they carry a child with suspected microcephaly; caregivers and families of an infant with microcephaly; and persons with GBS and other neurological disorders. Psychosocial support is the process of addressing the psychological and social issues associated with a particular crisis. In this instance, the crisis is related to the Zika virus outbreak. The team involved in the provision of psychological support includes but is not limited to the: primary healthcare provider; Obstetrician / Gynaecologist; Paediatrician; Registered Nurse / Midwife; Neurologist, or other physician or surgeon.

Zika virus infection clinical management protocol: Paediatrics

A clinical management protocol for the Zika Virus was prepared for medical professionals by the Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services Branch of the Ministry of Health, Jamaica. This protocol outlines clinical features, symptoms, and management procedures for medical and health personnel and the way they should respond to suspected cases of ZIka among pregnant women.

The management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

This document discusses how the Guillain­Barre syndrome should be handled medical professionals in Jamaica. In addition to an overview of the disease, the clinical presentation, case definition, a sample laboratory diagnosis, treatment and complications are mentioned.

Zika virus infection clinical management protocol: Pregnant women

This document outlines the clinical management protocol Jamaican medical professionals should employ for suspected cases of pregnant women infected with the Zika virus. Clinical features, case definitions, testing procedures, symptoms and pregnancy management are included in this article.