CDC issues update on Zika investigation in Utah

It remains unclear how a family contact who cared for an elderly Utah resident with travel-related Zika virus became infected, according to preliminary findings released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the individual had close contact, such as kissing and hugging, with the patient while the patient’s viral load was very high, the report notes. “Although it is not certain that these types of close contact were the source of transmission, family contacts should be aware that blood and body fluids of severely ill patients might be infectious,” the report adds. “Given recognition of high levels of viremia during illness, it is essential that health care workers continue to apply standard precautions while caring for all patients, including those who might have Zika virus disease.” The case was first reported in July. As of Sept. 3, a total of 2,382 confirmed or probable cases of Zika virus disease with symptom onset during Jan. 1 to July 31 were reported to ArboNET, the national arboviral surveillance system managed by CDC and state health departments. All but 28 cases were travel-associated. Sixty-five patients were hospitalized.