Zika virus
Zika virus exposure and its complications continue to be an evolving area of patient care and clinical practice. Given this situation, we highly recommend going to the CDC website directly http://www.cdc.gov/zika/ and checking it periodically for the most up to date recommendations and travel restrictions.
Avoiding exposure is best. Since Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact, it is important that both you and your partner protect yourselves from mosquito bites. Thus if you are presently trying to conceive, it is best to avoid traveling to areas of active mosquito-born Zika transmission. If you live in an area of active mosquito-born Zika transmission or are traveling to these areas, then we recommend taking all precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The following protective measures should be practiced, both day and night, including:
- The use of EPA-approved bug spray with at least 25% DEET*, can apply every 8 hours
- Covering exposed skin
- Staying in air-conditioned or screened-in areas
- Treating clothing with permethrin*
* When used as directed on the product label, these products can be used safely during pregnancy. Reapplication of insect repellant should be practiced as directed on the product label.
More information about preventing mosquito bites can be found at the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html
More information about areas with active mosquito-born Zika transmission can be found at the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html