CDC to Track Pregnancy Outcomes Related to Zika Virus; WV Preparedness Crucial

Why it matters locally: While West Virginia might not immediately seem like a high-risk area for Zika, the CDC's enhanced tracking of pregnancy outcomes related to the virus is still relevant to the state. West Virginia residents, particularly women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and may travel to areas with Zika transmission, need access to accurate and up-to-date information. The improved data directly impacts their healthcare decisions, influencing choices around travel, preventative measures, and prenatal care. Because West Virginia has a significant population that is considered rural and may have limited access to specialized medical care, ensuring that healthcare providers are aware of the CDC's findings and equipped to advise patients about Zika risks is essential for ensuring healthy pregnancies in 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.