Zika virus and the therapeutic itineraries: the impact of the post-epidemic

Abstract

The article analyzes the social impacts of the Brazilian Zika virus post-epidemic scenario in the lives of women who have given birth to babes with microcephaly, locally so-called "mães de micro" (mothers of micro), in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast of Brazil. It intents to think about the wear outlived by these women in the seek for therapies, stimulus, and care intended for their kids offered by the government. It describes the uncertainties and unknowing in the health professionals' practices related to the Zika virus outbreak and their relationships with the first generation of “mães de micro”. It also observes how violence towards fundamental rights reinforce socioeconomic inequality, and racial and gender differences in the health access processes, showing that the governmental sectors of social aid do not fulfill the necessities of women throughout their new body experience and care. The current institutional resources in health shown to be scarce, and could have more perceptiveness if it was shaped considering the knowledge and experiences of people who deal with the disability social drama. The article is based upon ethnographic observation in hospital and non-hospital spaces, along with in-depth interviews.