ZIKA Virus
The ZIKA virus has been a hot topic in the news and a concern for women of reproductive age worldwide. The areas of ZIKA virus cases are becoming more widespread. Many areas are popular travel destinations. The virus is thought to be the potential cause of substantial birth defects when a woman acquires it while pregnant or is exposed to the virus and shortly after becomes pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the latest information regarding the ZIKA virus and the areas where exposure can occur.
Exposure to the virus can occur through being bitten by an infected mosquito, or through the exchange of bodily fluids with a person who has been infected.If you are pregnant or planning to conceive it is recommended to check if you could have been exposed while in an area deemed at risk.
Here at Michigan Reproductive Medicine, we are screening and counseling our patients who have traveled to these areas or are sexually active with a partner who has possibly been exposed, to avoid pregnancy for 6 months from the time of exposure.
Those who are screened and at risk to have been exposed to the ZIKA virus or at risk to becoming exposed while trying to become pregnant are being counseled regarding the possible risk of birth defects and then are required to sign a waiver if deciding to pursue efforts to become pregnant within 8 weeks of the time of exposure.
Please refer to the CDC website for all up to date information regarding the ZIKA virus.
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