Update January 11, 2018

At this time of the year when New Yorkers may seek warmer climates for vacations, we want to share information. A new study from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that two-year old children with prenatal exposure to the mosquito-borne Zika virus, now have severe health and developmental challenges. The study included 19 Zika-infected children from Brazil who now suffer microcephaly, seizures, bronchitis, pneumonia, issues with sleeping, feeding, hearing, vision, and motor functions. “Children severely affected by Zika virus are falling far behind age-appropriate developmental milestones, and their challenges are becoming more evident as they age,” CDC Director Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald said in an agency news release. We remind you:

• Zika infection during pregnancy causes serious birth defects. Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika.
• Talk to your doctor about what you can do to protect yourself and your baby from Zika. Take notes and follow instructions carefully. Ask questions.
• Use condoms the right way every time you have sex, or do not have sex during your pregnancy.