Zika Virus and Pregnancy

Zika was reported in May 2015 in South America and since then has spread throughout the Americas. The virus spreads to humans primarily through infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms of the disease are non-specific but may include fever, rash, arthralgias, and conjunctivitis. Zika during pregnancy has been associated with birth defects, specifically significant microcephaly. However, much is not yet known about Zika virus in pregnancy. Uncertainties include the incidence of Zika virus infection among pregnant women in areas of Zika virus transmission, the rate of vertical transmission and the rate with which infected fetuses manifest complications such as microcephaly or demise. The absence of this important information makes management and decision-making in the setting of potential Zika virus exposure (i.e. travel to endemic areas) or maternal infection, difficult.  Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for this infection.

Information on this webpage, including recommendations for management, will be updated periodically to reflect changing evidence and emerging consensus. 

SMFM and ACOG have issued a Practice Advisory on the Zika virus about prevention strategies and current guidance for management of pregnant women.

Additional Sources of Information about Zika

Further SMFM Material:

• SMFM Statement- Ultrasound screening for fetal microcephaly following Zika virus exposure
• 36th Annual Meeting - Zika Discussion
• Zika Emergency Funding Request MCH
  
• Zika Coding Tip
• Doctors to Congress: Stop politics and fund Zika outbreak
• SMFM Statement on Zika Deal

CDC Material: 

NEW US Pregnancy Registry for Confirmed Zika Virus Infection

CDC has established a US Pregnancy Registry for Zika Virus Infection to collect information about pregnant women with confirmed Zika virus infection and their infants through the first year of life. In collaboration with state health departments and healthcare providers, CDC is collecting clinical information that will increase knowledge about Zika virus infection during pregnancy and assist in responding to the ongoing outbreak. 

• CDC Main Zika Portal
  
• Zika CDC Q&A
  
• Zika Map of Cases Reported by State in USA
  
• CDCHealthcare Provider Evaluation and Testing
• MMWR Zika Recommendations for Prevention of Sexual Transmission  
  
• MMWR CDC updated Interim Guidelines for Heath Care Workers Caring For Zika Exposure in Pregnancy
  
• MMWR Updated Interim guidance: testing algorithm for a pregnant woman with history of travel to an area with ongoing Zika virus transmission

• Update: Interim Guidance for Health Care Providers Caring for Women of Reproductive Age with Possible Zika Virus Exposure 

• Interim Guidance for Prevention of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus

• Prevention of Mosquito Bites
  
• Diagnostic Testing
• Zika virus infection among U.S. pregnant travelers, August 2015–February 2016
• Transmission of Zika virus through sexual contact with travelers to areas of active transmission — United States, 2016

•  Zika Situation Report
  

State Health Department Recommendations: 

• Zika Contacts

Journal Resources

• Elsevier Zika Resource Page

Other Sites

• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
• Public Health England
  
• ISUOG ZIka Seminar

Zika material for patients

• MotherToBaby.org