Zika virus, known for causing serious birth defects like microcephaly, continues to pose a risk to pregnant women in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of May 12, 279 pregnant women are confirmed to have contracted the virus. This figure includes 157 women from the mainland states and 122 from U.S. territories.
The increase in Zika cases has garnered attention, especially as Brazil grapples with a significant outbreak and a surge in babies born with microcephaly—a condition where infants are born with an abnormally small head due to incomplete brain development. This condition can lead to additional serious issues, such as vision problems, hearing impairment, and stunted growth.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, head of the CDC’s birth defects division, shared insights with CNN, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the potential impact on babies born to these mothers. Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, but pregnant women can also contract it through sexual contact with partners who have traveled to areas where the virus is prevalent. Notably, there have been no confirmed cases of mosquito-borne Zika transmission within the continental U.S.; instead, infections have been linked to travel or sexual transmission.
Although Zika rarely results in death, symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes are often mild, leading many individuals to forgo seeking medical attention. This makes it challenging to track the true number of infections. It’s important to note that research on Zika is ongoing, and many aspects of the virus remain unclear. However, there are effective strategies to reduce the risk of contracting Zika. One of the best preventative measures is to avoid travel to regions currently experiencing Zika outbreaks, particularly in South America and Africa.
The CDC provides a wealth of information regarding Zika prevention, which can be found here. Below are key recommendations for those in Zika-affected areas:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing one of the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol. These products are safe for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women when applied as directed.
- Follow the instructions on product labels and reapply as needed.
- Avoid applying repellent under clothing.
- If using sunscreen, apply it before the insect repellent.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Stay in places equipped with air conditioning and window/door screens to keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Sleep under a mosquito net if outdoors or traveling in areas where mosquito exposure is a risk.
For added safety for children:
- Avoid using insect repellent on infants younger than 2 months.
- Refrain from using products with oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3.
- Dress children in protective clothing covering arms and legs.
- Shield cribs, strollers, and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Adults should apply repellent to their hands first, then gently apply it to a child’s face.
While the news of Zika cases in the U.S. can be alarming, staying informed and adopting safety measures are the best strategies for protection. For those interested in home insemination, resources like Progyny offer valuable insights into pregnancy preparation. And if you’re looking for home insemination kits, check out Cryobaby’s product offerings as well as our intracervical insemination guide for comprehensive advice on this journey.
In summary, awareness and prevention are key when it comes to Zika, especially for pregnant women. Take necessary precautions and stay updated on the latest information to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby.