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Zika virus detected in two pregnant women returning to US
Two pregnant women from Illinois who recently traveled to areas with local Zika virus transmission have tested positive for the virus, according to the Illinois health department. Physicians are currently monitoring the women’s health and pregnancies.
“There is virtually no risk to Illinois residents since you cannot contract Zika virus from another person, but only through the bite of an infected mosquito,” Nirav D. Shah, MD, JD, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said in a press release. “But since this is a time of year when people travel to warmer climates and countries where Zika virus is found, we are urging residents, especially pregnant women, to take preventive measures when traveling in affected countries and check health travel advisories.”
Last week, CDC officials said there is strong evidence to suggest that Zika virus infection may increase the risk for microcephaly, and they are recommending that pregnant women in any trimester postpone travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission. These countries include: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Andrew Bonwit
“If someone really wants to go someplace where transmission has been documented for Zika virus and that person is pregnant, they probably want to look at what their planned activities would be and limit their exposure to really mosquito-dense areas, and make sure that they have an appropriate mosquito repellent,” Andrew Bonwit, MD, division of pediatric infectious diseases at Loyola University Medical Center, said in an interview.
The CDC also suggested that pregnant women wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants; remain in screened or air-conditioned rooms; use a bed net when sleeping in an area exposed to the outdoors; and drain standing water inside and outside the home.
If a patient presents with a fever, a maculopapular rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis and recently returned from one of the affected areas, Bonwit said, physicians should call their state or local health department for information on Zika virus testing.
Disclosures: Bonwit reports no relevant financial disclosures.