CDC Issued New Recommendations To Prevent Zika Transmission and Pregnancy

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new recommendations to prevent the transmission of Zika virus and things to consider on planning and during pregnancy.

The new recommendation covers three topics: guidance for healthcare professionals on pregnancy planning after possible Zika virus exposure, guidance for preventing sexual transmission of the virus and considerations for reducing unintended pregnancy in areas with active Zika transmission, as reported by Becker's.

"[The] CDC continues to learn more about Zika literally every day and, as we learn more, we're eager to share that information with you," said Denise Jamieson, MD, a clinical OB-GYN with the CDC's division of reproductive health, during a telebriefing.

Healthcare providers should inform women diagnosed or have symptoms of Zika to wait eight weeks after the symptom first appeared before trying to get pregnant. Men should avoid unprotected sex for six months after their symptoms appeared.

Healthcare providers should give out instructions to those who live in an area where Zika virus transmission is active and want to become pregnant. "These are very complex, deeply personal decisions," said Dr. Jamieson. "Conversations about health risks of pregnancy can be very difficult, but are important to have. Healthcare providers should discuss the risks of Zika, emphasize ways to prevent Zika virus infection and provide information about safe and effective contraceptive methods."

People who were possibly exposed to Zika (even without symptoms) should wait at least eight weeks after the exposure before trying to get pregnant. Men who traveled to places with Zika should not have unprotected sex for eight weeks even if they do not have the symptoms, Cosmopolitan reported.

For couples where a man lives in an area where Zika transmission is active should abstain or use condom while transmission is active. Men with pregnant partner and have traveled or lived in an area where Zika is active should avoid sex throughout pregnancy.