Healthcare providers should report suspected Zika virus disease cases to their state, local, or territorial health department, who will report to the CDC. The ACOG Committee Opinion (August 2019 | Endorsed by SMFM) has updated recommendations, including guidance on prevention that are aligned with CDC.
Zika virus can be transmitted via mosquito bite or more infrequently, through sexual (vaginal, anal or oral) contact, with blood transfusion now also reported. When counseling women, especially those of reproductive age, there are key points to review relating to exposure, prevention and fetal transmission:
Prevent exposure to infected mosquitoes (Aedes species) if traveling to areas where Zika virus has been reported
Use appropriate barrier contraception if not planning pregnancy or already pregnant
Delay attempting desired pregnancy for the following length of time, if diagnosed or exposed to Zika virus
While first reported in Africa decades ago, the initial reported case of Zika virus disease in South America was in 2015. The CDC maintains world maps (open access) to identify active areas. 20% of those infected will be symptomatic. Incubation period has been reported to be between 3 to 14 days. Zika virus became an international health emergency due to the risk of severe birth defects, in particular microcephaly, through maternal transmission.
These countries have a potential risk of Zika, but we do not have accurate information on the current level of risk
As a result, detection and reporting of new outbreaks may be delayed
ACOG Committee Opinion 784: Management of Patients in the Context of Zika Virus
CDC: Zika Travel Information (color coded map)
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