CDC issues summary of key Zika considerations for health care settings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a summary of key considerations for health care facilities, including hospitals and health systems, as they prepare to receive patients potentially infected with the Zika virus. The document outlines nine steps health care facilities should take, including knowing the clinical manifestations of the virus, how to assess pregnant women and advise against sexual transmission during pregnancy, reporting and use of standard precautions. In addition, the document notes steps health care settings can take to educate patients and their families about the disease, transmission and steps to avoid infection. CDC also offers a 24/7 Zika hotline, at 770-488-7100, that can provide rapid access to CDC clinical experts, as well a dedicated e-mail address for pregnancy-related Zika questions at zikamch@cdc.gov. For more information, see today’s AHA Readiness Advisory or visit www.cdc.gov/zika. In other Zika news, CDC awarded $6.8 million in funding to public health organizations to support Zika response, and a contract to develop a point-of-care Zika test.