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WHO advises women in Zika-affected areas to consider delaying pregnancy
In its recently updated guidance, WHO recommended that men and women of reproductive age living in areas with local transmission of Zika virus consider delaying pregnancy to avoid the risk for microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities associated with the infection when acquired in utero.
Earlier this year, health officials representing some Zika-endemic countries such as Brazil, El Salvador and Jamaica also have advised women to delay pregnancy.
According to WHO, 60 countries and territories are currently reporting mosquito-borne transmission of Zika, 46 of which are experiencing their first outbreak. As of June 8, 11 countries or territories reported cases of microcephaly and other central nervous system malformations potentially caused by Zika virus infection during pregnancy.
In addition to its recommendations for those living in areas with active transmission, WHO also acted to enforce guidelines previously set by the CDC suggesting that women living in nonendemic regions returning from areas with active transmission wait at least 8 weeks before attempting to become pregnant, and men with symptoms of Zika virus abstain from unprotected sex for at least 6 months after the onset of their symptoms. Both WHO and the CDC recommend that women who are pregnant should avoid traveling to areas with local transmission.