CDC Posts Zika Virus Resources, Issues Advisories – Infection Control

In response to growing alarm surrounding the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne virus spreading rapidly in South America, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued two Zika health advisories, as well as posted online resources about the virus, including travel information and FAQs.

• The first advisory states that men exposed to the Zika virus who have a pregnant partner should use a condom or should abstain from sex until the baby is born. Previous reports have stated that there have been isolated cases of the virus being passed via sexual contact and blood transfusions. Zika has also been identified in saliva. However, the CDC has not issued a guidance on saliva transmission due to lack of information.

• Secondly, pregnant women who have been potentially exposed to the virus with or without symptoms should discuss with their doctors about testing for the virus. The primary concern with Zika is that the virus is linked to a congenital neurological disorder called microcephaly, which results in babies being born with abnormally small heads that can lead to severe developmental disabilities. The virus has also been linked to increased incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome in all populations.

Click here to access CDC’s online resources about the Zika virus.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered dental continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.