Updates to CDC Zika Guidance October 5, 2016 Public Health, SF Dept of Public Health CDC, Zika 0 SFDPH has summarized recent updates to CDC Zika guidance regarding two issues: 1) preconception counseling and prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus and 2) addition of Singapore to the roster of Zika-affected countries and Zika travel “consideration” for multiple Southeast Asian countries for pregnant women. The full text of the CDC updates can to be found here: Sexual Transmission and Preconception Counseling Southeast Asia travel CDC had updated its guidance for men who have had potential Zika exposure (generally, travel to a Zika-affected area. Men with potential Zika exposure are recommended to delay attempting conception for six months after exposure, and to use condoms for prevention of sexual transmission for six months after exposure, even if they have not been diagnosed with Zika or had symptoms consistent with Zika. Previously the guidance stated that 8 weeks’ delay was sufficient for asymptomatic men. Much uncertainty still exists concerning the persistence of infectious Zika virus in semen. Because of this change to guidance, testing criteria are also broadened to take into account the 6 month time frame for sexual exposure. Generally this pertains to pregnant women whose partners have traveled. Asymptomatic pregnant women who have had sexual contact with a man who traveled to a Zika-affected area within the last 6 months, and who can be tested during the window up to 12 weeks after last sexual exposure, are eligible for testing. Testing is still not recommended for asymptomatic men. Singapore is now on the CDC roster of Zika transmission countries, so all the standard guidance that has applied to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean now applies to Singapore as well. In addition, CDC has issued Zika travel guidance for a number of other Southeast Asian countries (including Vietnam and the Philippines). Note that Zika is likely endemic at low levels in these countries, and the reasons for recent detections of infections is not clear (may be due to increased testing). Pregnant women are recommended to consider postponing nonessential travel to these countries. Because of this change to guidance, San Francisco testing criteria are broadened to take into account these additional countries as locations of potential Zika exposure. Guidance is rapidly evolving and we can expect additional changes in the weeks and months to come! Providers are strongly recommended to consult the CDC website for most current general recommendations, and the SFDPH Communicable Disease website for SF-specific guidance. Note that we are in the process of updating our testing instructions and updating and translating our FAQ documents for the public to reflect these changes. Additional Resources: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/ http://www.sfcdcp.org/zika_providers.html http://www.sfcdcp.org/zika Comments are closed.
