🔆This article reports on a study that investigated the long-term effects of Zika virus infection during pregnancy on child development. Key Points: ✅Increased Risk of Adverse Outcomes: Children exposed to Zika virus in utero had a nearly threefold higher risk of adverse outcomes, including motor and cognitive delays, compared to unexposed children. ✅Timing of Infection Matters: The risk of adverse outcomes was significantly higher in children exposed to Zika in the first trimester of pregnancy. ✅Challenges in Identification: The study highlights the challenges in identifying asymptomatic Zika infections in pregnant women, which can lead to underestimation of the true impact of the virus on child development. ✅Long-term Implications: The findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance and research to understand the long-term health consequences of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. ✅Possible UPSC Prelims Question: What was the key finding of the study published in the journal Pediatrics regarding Zika virus infection during pregnancy? A. Zika virus infection does not pose any significant risk to fetal development. B. Children exposed to Zika in utero have a higher risk of adverse developmental outcomes. C. Zika virus infection is not a major public health concern. D. There is no link between Zika virus infection and birth defects. ✅Possible UPSC Mains Question: Discuss the long-term health consequences of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Analyze the challenges in identifying and managing Zika virus infections in pregnant women and the importance of continued research and surveillance to mitigate the impact of this virus on child development.