What you need to know about the Zika Virus. RN and Nurse Practice Safety Specialist for National Nurses United,
De Ann McEwen talks about the Zika Virus. For more information visit nursetalksite.com.

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.