CDC to Track Pregnancy Outcomes Related to Zika Virus: Why Minnesota Should Pay Attention

Why it matters locally: While Minnesota isn't a primary zone for mosquito-borne Zika transmission like some southern states or tropical areas, the CDC's enhanced surveillance of pregnancy outcomes related to Zika virus still impacts Minnesota residents. Minnesotans who travel internationally, particularly to Zika-affected regions, are at risk of contracting the virus. If a pregnant woman contracts Zika while traveling or through other transmission routes, the health of both the mother and child are at risk. This new CDC data will provide vital information for Minnesota healthcare providers to counsel pregnant women with travel plans, or diagnose and treat potential cases, enabling more informed decisions about prenatal care, testing, and potential interventions within the state.

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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.