Category: Patient Safety

87 countries and territories have had evidence of autochthonous mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV)  The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its advice recommending that pregnant women avoid traveling to areas with Zika virus transmission, especially during outbreaks, based on the increased risk of severe birth defects during pregnancy. They also advised all travelers to take …

Continue reading “Update July 2019”

New studies show that a combination of MRIs and ultrasounds are both critical in detecting abnormalities in babies. Critical abnormalities that were seen in babies prenatally and/or after being born to parents with Zika Virus (or likely to have Zika Virus) showed that both radiological studies are needed. Read at more at Journal of the …

Continue reading “Update December 2018”

The warm weather is here and more than a dozen cases of Zika Virus have already been reported in the U.S. this year. Zika remains a public health threat especially to pregnant women and their unborn children. There are several researchers working on vaccines, so in the future that may offer hope for pregnant women. …

Continue reading “Update May 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 …

Continue reading “Update January 11, 2018”

There is important new information and updated Zika-virus guidelines concerning pregnant women, those who may get pregnant and health care providers. Zika virus vaccines in development are seeing progress in research testing phases. Unfortunately not everyone with Zika-virus has noticeable symptoms or a confirmed case. 1 in 12 infants, who are born to mothers with confirmed Zika …

Continue reading “Update October 26, 2017”

Mosquito season has begun In New York State; activity begins when the temperature reaches 50° F. The mosquito volume increases, reaching its peak during the hot summer months.  As of May 3, The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) notes there were 5,274 cases reported in the US, with the most in Florida and New York, …

Continue reading “Update May 2017”

The CDC has updated guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Infants with Possible Congenital Zika Virus Infection https://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/infants-children/evaluation-and-management.html

It is critical for women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant, and for women and men who may become pregnant to get medical counseling on preventing mosquito bites, and having protected sex before and after traveling to areas affected by the Zika-virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as …

Continue reading “Update January 9, 2017”

A new study noted in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports some people infected with Zika develop conjunctivitis, an eye infection common known as “pink eye.” Although the Zika infection had been identified in urine, semen, saliva and breast milk, the study noted Chinese travelers who had been infected in Venezuela were …

Continue reading “Update September 20, 2016”

We believe that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk with your doctors about your risks in general of having or contracting the disease, and about travel to currently-known Zika infested areas, including the potential for the spread in the southern gulf states of the United States. We want to urge …

Continue reading “Update August 19, 2016”