CDC Guidelines for Healthcare Providers Caring for Pregnant Women with Possible Zika Virus Exposure

Updated February 5, 2016  

CDC Interim Zika Guidelines:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6505e2er.htm?s_cid=mm6505e2er.htm_w

 

Summary

  • Includes new information about confirmed sexual transmission of Zika virus and testing recommendations for asymptomatic pregnant women
  • Asymptomatic women who have traveled to an area with local Zika transmission should be tested within 2 to 12 weeks of return.
    • Caveat is that these serum test results may be difficult to interpret because they often co-react to a previous dengue or yellow fever infection.
    • A negative serum result would indicate that intensive monitoring of the fetus is unnecessary.
    • Expanded to include pregnant women residing in areas with local Zika virus transmission
      • If pregnant and symptomatic, test within 1 week of symptoms.
      • If pregnant and no symptoms, testing is recommended at the initiation of prenatal care and mid-second trimester.
      • To prevent continued exposure to Zika throughout the pregnancy, healthcare providers should discuss use of condom or sexual abstinence with pregnant women
      • The CDC states that there is “currently no evidence” to suggest that pre-conception Zika infection will have an effect on the fetus.

Interim Guidelines for Prevention of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus- United States 2016:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6505e1er.htm?s_cid=mm6505e1er_w.htm

 

  • Men who have traveled to area with Zika should use a condom or abstain from sex with a pregnant sexual partner for the duration of the pregnancy.
  • Men with nonpregnant sexual partners—suggested that they “consider” abstinence or condom use but also consider the fact that most infections are asymptomatic or mild if symptomatic.
  • Not recommending testing of men for the purpose of assessing risk of sexual transmission.