CA Dept of Public Health Needs Your Help Getting the Word Out About Zika October 27, 2017 SF Dept of Public Health Public Health, SFDPH, Zika 0 Dear Mary Lou , We need your help. Californians routinely travel in large numbers to areas that are still experiencing Zika virus transmission, particularly Mexico. Even though Zika has not been in the news as much recently, it is still a major health risk for pregnant women and their babies. In order to curb the risk of Zika infections, the California Department of Public Health is embarking on a Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign encouraging people to be aware of risks and “Don’t Bring Zika Home.” How can you help? We are asking for your help to inform your patients about the risks – particularly pregnant and reproductive age patients and their sexual partners. If we provide the facts, then Californians will make better decisions. First, we need your help in asking ALL prenatal patients whether or not they or their partner have traveled to a Zika-affected country and discuss appropriate testing and prevention measures outlined below. Second, informing patients of proper precautions. The best recommendation is to NOT travel to an area with Zika. If a pregnant woman and/or her partner must travel, strict precautions should be followed to minimize mosquito bites. Third, it is also imperative to prevent sexual transmission from a partner who has traveled to or lived in an area with Zika. Pregnant women should either avoid all types of sexual contact with affected partners or consistently use male or female condoms and dental dams. Fourth, we want to encourage women of childbearing age, particularly those contemplating pregnancy, to avoid travel to areas with Zika or consider delaying pregnancy by using an effective contraceptive method. Fifth, for providers caring for infants with congenital exposure or Zika-associated birth defects, ongoing monitoring through an established medical home and care coordination with appropriate specialists and family support services will be very important. As a healthcare provider, you can be an extraordinary asset in preventing birth defects related to the Zika virus. Please share the attached fact sheet with your patients or refer to our website. In the near future, we will have PSA material for posting on your website and disseminating via social media. For more information, please visit http://www.zikafreeca.com under the Information for Health Professionals section. Thank you for helping us in our efforts to keep pregnant women and their partners safe from this virus. Sincerely, Karen L. Smith, MD, MPH Director and State Health Officer Comments are closed.
