CDC to Track Pregnancy Outcomes Related to Zika Virus; Idaho Monitoring Continues

Why it matters locally: While Idaho is not a high-risk area for Zika virus transmission due to the absence of the specific mosquito species that typically carry the virus, the CDC's expanded tracking of pregnancy outcomes related to Zika does have implications for Idaho residents. Idahoans traveling to regions where Zika is prevalent, such as parts of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, need to be informed about the risks and take preventative measures. The new CDC data will provide more comprehensive information about the potential health risks to pregnant women and their infants, allowing Idaho's healthcare providers to better counsel and monitor patients who may have been exposed.

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Atlanta – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the start of a new surveillance system to monitor pregnancy outcomes in women with laboratory evidence of possible Zika virus infection. Starting today, the agency will publicly report data related to adverse pregnancy and birth conditions potentially linked to Zika. The CDC aims to improve understanding of the virus's impact on pregnant women and their infants through this more detailed tracking. Key indicators to be monitored include: * Microcephaly * Other brain defects * Eye damage * Hearing loss * Impaired growth Previously, the CDC tracked Zika cases and provided guidelines for pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant. This new reporting system marks an expansion of those efforts, focusing specifically on the outcomes of pregnancies where Zika infection was potentially present. Data collected will add to the breadth of information regarding the health risks involved in contracting Zika virus during pregnancy.