EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ZIKA VIRUS IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN BRAZIL: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE YEARS 2016 AND 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Zika virus infection has a high rate of asymptomatic cases, but can cause neurological complications and serious pregnancy outcomes, including congenital Zika syndrome. Objective: To analyze the epidemiology of Zika virus infection cases in pregnant women reported in Brazil between 2016 and 2025. Methods: Observational, ecological, quantitative, and cross-sectional epidemiological study using secondary data from SINAN, evaluating variables such as region, federative unit, age group, diagnostic confirmation criteria, and classification. Results: During the study period, the proportion of pregnant women among the notifications reached a maximum of 19.2% in 2017, with a progressive decline to a minimum of 3.6% in 2025. Notifications predominated in the second trimester (36.6%), in the Southeast region (44.9%), and in the 20-39 age range (81.3%). Laboratory confirmation stood out among the diagnostic criteria, encompassing 59.0% of the total, while only 26.7% of cases were confirmed. Conclusion: The findings of this study deepen the understanding of the epidemiology of Zika virus infection in pregnant women in Brazil, contributing to the direction of public policies aimed at reducing adverse maternal-fetal outcomes and providing support for improving surveillance, prevention, and prenatal care strategies.