Following confirmation of sexual transmission of Zika virus to a non-traveler in the continental United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new interim guidance on preventing transmission and caring for women who are pregnant or of reproductive age. We’ve outlined several key facts you need to know.
The CDC Friday issued two interim guidelines—one for the prevention of sexual transmission and one for health care professionals who are caring for pregnant women or women of reproductive age with possible exposure to the Zika virus.
- Zika virus remains a mild illness, but it has been tied to serious birth defects.
Only one in five people infected with Zika virus exhibits symptoms, which are generally mild and self-limited. In other cases, the virus generally is asymptomatic. The primary concern is the possible association between maternal Zika virus infection and an increased risk for congenital microcephaly and other abnormalities of the brain and eye, according to the CDC.
- The period for possible sexual transmission of Zika virus is unknown.
For that reason, the guidelines advise that men who reside in or have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission who have a pregnant partner should abstain from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms during sex for the duration of the pregnancy.
The guidelines encourage pregnant women to discuss their male partner’s potential exposures and history of Zika-like illness with their physician.
The guidelines also advise that couples in which the man has traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission may consider using condoms consistently and correctly during sex or abstaining from sexual activity to avoid transmission of the virus.
- Clinical protocols should be followed for women with possible Zika virus exposure.
The new guidelines outline appropriate protocols for testing pregnant women. These include testing pregnant women who have symptoms consistent with Zika virus, when to test asymptomatic women and how to incorporate testing and monitoring with prenatal care.
The guidelines include recommendations for counseling women of reproductive age who reside in areas with ongoing transmission.
Visit the AMA’s Zika Resource Center to learn more about the virus and access the latest information and resources from infectious disease and public health experts.
