The Johns Hopkins Zika Center is a unique comprehensive, hospital-based center dedicated to the treatment and research of Zika virus. It is a pioneering collaboration among leaders from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Brazilian ophthalmology community. The center was established to facilitate the comprehensive care of patients with Zika virus, including infants with virus-related congenital defects, and to conduct research that helps identify effective therapies and ways to minimize transmission, according to Peter McDonnell, M.D., director of the Wilmer Eye Institute, which led the development of the Zika center.

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A Multi-Disciplinary, World-Recognized Team

With increasing numbers of Zika virus infections across 69 countries and territories, including nearly 2,000 documented cases within the contiguous United States, the center has harnessed Johns Hopkins experts across multiple clinical and research disciplines to address this global health emergency. Additionally, Rubens Belfort Jr., M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., Brazil’s premier ophthalmic expert on Zika virus, will serve as the center’s advisor.

The center collaborates with specialists from epidemiology, infectious disease, maternal-fetal medicine, orthopaedics, pediatrics, physiotherapy, psychiatry and social work to treat adult and pediatric patients with Zika virus infection. With eye abnormalities affecting more than half of babies with the illness, in addition to some adults who contract the illness. Read the full media advisory.

Patients worldwide can be referred to the center by outside physicians; through several Johns Hopkins departments and divisions, including emergency medicine and maternal-fetal medicine; or by calling the Wilmer Eye Institute to schedule an appointment. A case manager will work with patients to identify specialists within the Johns Hopkins Zika Center team who will work collaboratively to create a care or treatment protocol.

The Johns Hopkins Zika Center Team

Meet the multidisciplinary team that is dedicated to evaluating and caring for patients with Zika virus infections and congenital defects.