infections
Zika Virus Infection
Prevention of Zika Virus Infection
If possible, pregnant women should NOT travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus outbreaks (see alsoCDC: Pregnant Women and Zika). If traveling to such areas, pregnant women should talk with their doctor about the risks of infection and about the precautions to be taken to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection, although research to develop a vaccine is progressing. Prevention of Zika virus infection depends on control of mosquitoes in areas where Zika virus infection is common and on prevention of mosquito bites when traveling to such areas. To prevent mosquito bites, people should take the following precautions: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Stay in places that have air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out. Sleep under a mosquito bed net in places that are not adequately screened or air-conditioned. Use Environmental Protection Agency–registered insect repellents—with ingredients such as DEET (diethyltoluamide) or other approved active ingredients—on exposed skin surfaces. Treat clothing and gear withpermethrininsecticide (do not apply it directly to the skin). For children, the following precautions are recommended: Do not use insect repellent on infants under 2 months old. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (para-menthane-diol) on children under 3 years old. For older children, adults should spray repellent on their own hands and then apply it to the children's skin. Dress children in clothing that covers their arms and legs, or cover the crib, stroller, or baby carrier with mosquito netting. Do not apply insect repellent to the hands, eyes, mouth, or cut or irritated skin of children. The Zika virus can be sexually transmitted from men to their sex partner (male or female) and from women to men. The CDC has made recommendations about preventing Zika virus from being transmitted during sexual intercourse (CDC: Zika: Sexual Transmission and Prevention). Forpregnant women,precautions to prevent sexual transmission of the Zika virus are particularly important. If their partner (male or female) lives in or has traveled to an area where Zika virus infection is common, the couple should use a preventive measure for theentire duration of the pregnancy.The couple should do one of the following: Abstain from sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) Consistently and correctly use a barrier birth control method during sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) This recommendation applies whether the partner has symptoms or not because most Zika virus infections do not cause symptoms, and when symptoms do develop, they are usually mild. The CDC also provides recommendations when there is no existing pregnancy. The time periods for men and women differ because the Zika virus remains in semen longer than in other body fluids. Men who have traveled to an area with current or past Zika virus transmission should Use condoms or abstain from sex for at least 3 monthsafter he returns, or from the start of symptoms or the date he was diagnosed with Zika. Women who have traveled to an area with current or past Zika virus transmission should Use condoms or abstain from sex for at least 2 monthsafter she returns, or from the start of symptoms or the date she was diagnosed with Zika. Partners who have both traveled to an area with current or past Zika virus transmission should Use condoms or abstain from sex for at least 3 monthsafter the later traveler returns, or from the start of symptoms or the date either was diagnosed with Zika. Barrier methods include condoms (male and female) and dental dams (used during oral sex). These barriers can reduce the risk of getting the Zika virus during sex. To be effective, condoms and dental dams must be used correctly. They should be placed before sexual activity begins and remain until it ends (see Condoms ). They should be used each time, during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Not sharing sex devices can also reduce the risk of sexual transmission. See alsoCDC: Zika: People Trying to Conceive. 