New York State Department of Health: Preventing Zika Virus Infection in Pregnant Women

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has taken actions to detect and prevent Zika virus infection in pregnant women. 

Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito and has been known to spread through sexual transmission as well.

NYS DOH "KNOW ZIKA VIRUS" POSTER

The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after onset and many people may not realize they have been infected. However, Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

Infection with Zika virus during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects and has been linked to problems in infants, including eye defects, hearing loss, and impaired growth. For these reasons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NYSDOH recommend special precautions for pregnant women.

To date, all cases of Zika virus detected within the continental United States, including New York, have been travel associated. Therefore, women who are pregnant should not travel to areas of the world with Zika virus transmission. However, if a pregnant woman or her male partner must travel to one of these areas, precautions should be taken to prevent Zika virus transmission through mosquito bites and sexual transmission.

Below are links to the poster (appearing above) that conveys this message, and is intended to serve as an educational tool that may be used to educate pregnant women regarding potential exposure to Zika virus and the potential risk of infection for her unborn baby.

ENGLISH KNOW ZIKA VIRUS POSTER: www.health.ny.gov/publications/13010.pdf

SPANISH KNOW ZIKA VIRUS POSTER: www.health.ny.gov/publications/13011.pdf

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please visit www.health.ny.gov/diseases/zika_virus/pregnant.htm