CDC updates Zika guidance, issues factsheets on pregnancy registry

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today released updated guidance for health care providers caring for women of reproductive age with possible Zika virus exposure, and for preventing sexual transmission of Zika virus. Women and men who may have been exposed to Zika from recent travel or sexual contact but do not have symptoms are advised to wait at least eight weeks before attempting conception to minimize risk. Women and men who have been diagnosed with Zika or have symptoms should wait at least eight weeks and six months after their symptoms appear, respectively, before attempting conception, the agency said. CDC also has issued factsheets on the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry, created to help public health officials understand more about Zika virus infection during pregnancy and congenital infection. Recent evidence suggests a possible association between maternal Zika virus infection and adverse fetal outcomes. Until more is known, CDC strongly advises pregnant women to consider postponing travel to Zika-affected areas. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/zika and www.aha.org/zika.