ZIKA Virus and Pregnancy

CDC’s travel advisory follows reports in Brazil of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. However, additional studies are needed to further characterize this relationship. More studies are planned to learn more about the risks of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly. Babies with microcephaly can have a range of other problems, depending on how severe their microcephaly is, including:

Seizures

Developmental Delay (such as problems with speech or other developmental milestones like sitting, standing, and walking)

Intellectual Disability (decreased ability to learn and function in daily life)

Problems with Movement and Balance

Feeding Problems (such as difficulty swallowing)

Hearing Loss

Vision Problems

Ask your healthcare provider for more details about microcephaly or visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html

For the most up-to-date information and additional guidance, please visit : www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html or

www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/question-answers.html Or call our Health Info Line at 704-920-1213

I am pregnant and was just out of the country what should I do?

See your healthcare provider if you are pregnant and develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes within 2 weeks after traveling to a country where Zika virus cases have been reported. Be sure to tell your health care provider where you traveled so they can determine if you need to be tested and monitored for Zika virus.

Is it safe to use insect repellent while pregnant and nursing to protect myself against Zika virus?

YES, and it is encouraged. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following ingredients. All EPA registered products are evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

If I have signs or symptoms of Zika and I am pregnant, how will Cabarrus Health Alliance care for me and my baby?

Our providers will follow the 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.

If a woman who is not pregnant is bitten by a mosquito and infected with Zika virus, will her future pregnancies be at risk?

Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for only a few days to a week. The virus will not cause infections in an infant that is conceived after the virus is cleared from the blood. There is currently no evidence that Zika virus infection poses a risk of birth defects in future pregnancies. A women contemplating pregnancy, who has recently recovered from Zika virus infection, should consult her healthcare provider after recovering.

MICROCEPHALY

For the most up-to-date information and additional guidance, please visit : www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html or www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/question-answers.html

Or call our Health Info Line at 704-920-1213

300 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081 www.CabarrusHealth.org

NO ASPRIN

Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes

typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases. They are aggressive

daytime biters, prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people.

There is no vaccine to prevent infection or medicine to treat Zika, only the symptoms can be treated.

Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.

SYMPTOMS PREVENTION TREATMENT

AFFECTED AREAS AND PATHOLOGY VIRUS TRANSMISSION

ZIKA Virus