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Zika Virus

Pregnant Women

Zika Virus and Pregnancy

Due to reports of microcephaly External link and other poor outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant, the CDC recommends that pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant who do travel to these areas should talk to their healthcare providers first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during their trip.

A map External link of affected areas is available.

CDC has issued a travel notice (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) External link for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. This alert follows reports in Brazil of microcephaly External link and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. However, additional studies are needed to further characterize this relationship. More studies are planned to learn more about the risks of Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

Until more is known, and out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant:

  • Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites External link during the trip.
  • Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip. External link

 


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