Physicians should ask all pregnant women about travel to an area
with ongoing Zika virus transmission. Because there is neither a
vaccine nor prophylactic medications available to prevent Zika virus
infection, pregnant women should strongly consider postponing
travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If
they simply must travel to an infected area, they should take
recommended precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and
Wellness is advising area physicians to begin testing certain patients
for the Zika virus.
The following individuals should be considered for Zika virus
testing:
•
Individuals, including pregnant women, with a history of travel
to an area with Zika virus transmission and who report two of
more symptoms consistent with Zika virus disease (including
acute onset of fever, maculopapular rash, arthralgia or conjunctivitis) during or within one week of travel.
•
Asymptomatic pregnant women (women who do not report
clinical illness consistent with Zika virus disease) who have
traveled to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission. Testing
should be offered between two and 12 weeks after pregnant
women return from travel.
•
In addition, pregnant women with a history of travel to an area
with Zika virus transmission and who have ultrasound findings
of fetal microcephaly or intracranial calcificatio