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EMERGENCY
MEDICINE
Preventing Zika What if a patient is exposed to the Zika virus?
Because the Zika virus may be spread from a pregnant woman At this time there are no vaccines or specific treatments for the
to her unborn baby, the CDC and the American Congress of Ob- Zika virus. Supportive treatment of symptoms include hydration,
stetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommend delaying travel to rest and analgesics. Avoid the use of NSAIDs and aspirin.
areas where there are active Zika cases. At this time, Zika virus in
the U.S. has only been associated with people who have traveled Let patients know that once exposed to the virus, it is very im-
to the affected areas. (see CDC website for locations at portant to communicate with their prenatal care provider, espe-
www.cdc.gov) cially if they develop symptoms associated with Zika such as fever,
rash, joint pain, or red eyes during their trip or within two weeks
If the patient must travel to affected areas the CDC and ACOG after traveling to a region where Zika has been reported.
recommend:
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) insect repellents with Prenatal providers may suggest testing for the Zika virus and
the use fetal ultrasounds to detect development of microcephaly.
DEET (not contraindicated during pregnancy).
• Have patient avoid exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and Zika virus testing is currently very limited. At this time, the
Zika virus is so new that we are still learning new ways of trans-
long pants. mission and how to prevent it every day.
• Pregnant women with partners exposed to the virus should ab-
More information for physicians and other health care
stain from intercourse or use condoms. providers can be found on the Zika virus Information for
• Do not leave standing water around the house that may pro- Health Care Providers website at www.cdc.gov or at the
Methodist Healthcare System Zika CDC microsite at www.sa-
mote mosquito breeding. health.com/service/zika-virus.
• Remain in air-conditioned areas and indoors if traveling in one
Dr. Herbert Guzman is on the staff at Metropolitan Methodist
of the affected areas. Hospital where he served as chief of the OBY/GYN Department
in 2013-14.
visit us at www.bcms.org 17
