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

ABSTRACT

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.