Zika virus infection guidelines for pregnant women

Sexually transmitted diseases Main Page
Zika virus infection Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Classification
Differentiating Zika Virus Infection from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Evaluation of Pregnant Women
Evaluation of Infants
Collection and Submission of Fetal Tissues
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Guidelines for Pregnant Women
Travel Notice
Blood Donation
Sexual transmission
Secondary Prevention
CDC Response Planning Tips
Risk-based Preparedness for States
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Zika virus infection guidelines for pregnant women On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Zika virus infection guidelines for pregnant women All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Zika virus infection guidelines for pregnant women
CDC on Zika virus infection guidelines for pregnant women
Zika virus infection guidelines for pregnant women in the news
Blogs on Zika virus infection guidelines for pregnant women
Directions to Hospitals Treating Zika virus infection
Risk calculators and risk factors for Zika virus infection guidelines for pregnant women

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

CDC recommends that all pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If a pregnant woman travels to an area with Zika virus transmission, she should be advised to strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Guidelines for Pregnant Women

• CDC has developed interim guidelines for health care providers in the United States caring for pregnant women during a Zika virus outbreak.
• These guidelines include recommendations for pregnant women considering travel to an area with Zika virus transmission and recommendations for screening, testing, and management of pregnant returning travelers.
• Updates on areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission are available here.

Recommendations for Pregnant Women Considering Travel to an Area of Zika Virus Transmission

• Because there is neither a vaccine nor prophylactic medications available to prevent Zika virus infection, CDC recommends that all pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
• If a pregnant woman travels to an area with Zika virus transmission, she should be advised to strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites.
• Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite both indoors and outdoors, mostly during the daytime; therefore, it is important to ensure protection from mosquitoes throughout the entire day.
• Mosquito prevention strategies include wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using U.S.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–registered insect repellents, using permethrin-treated clothing and gear, and staying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms. When used as directed on the product label, insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 are safe for pregnant women.
• To learn more about avoiding mosquito bites, seeHow Can Travelers Protect Themselves From Mosquito Bites

Recommendations for Pregnant Women with History of Travel to an Area of Zika Virus Transmission

• Health care providers should ask all pregnant women about recent travel. Women who traveled to an area with ongoing Zika virus transmission during pregnancy should be evaluated for Zika virus infection and tested in accordance with CDC Interim Guidance (see Laboratory Testing).
• Because of the similar geographic distribution and clinical presentation of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya virus infection, patients with symptoms consistent with Zika virus disease should also be evaluated for dengue and chikungunya virus infection, in accordance with existing guidelines (see Differential Diagnosis).

How to Treat Pregnant Women with Diagnoses of Zika Virus Disease

• No specific antiviral treatment is available for Zika virus disease.
• Treatment is generally supportive and can include rest, fluids, and use of analgesics and antipyretics.

To learn more about treatment of Zika virus, see Medical Therapy.