Zika Virus Continues to Surprise

As of August 24th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 2,517 confirmed cases of Zika virus in the US. While there is still much uncertainty about the extent of the Zika virus transmission, with each passing day it continues to surprise.

• Florida has reported 29 people who have contracted the virus without traveling outside of the state.
• Zika has been detected in semen for up to two months following infection, longer than in other body fluids.
• First documented case of sexual transmission of the virus from a man with no symptoms who recently traveled to the Dominican Republic and had unprotected sex with his partner.
• As many as 10 people in Puerto Rico have developed the paralyzing neurological disorder known as Guillain-Barre syndrome as a result of Zika infections.
• FDA is now requiring all US blood banks to screen for the virus in blood donations.
• The virus can hide in the bloodstream of infected infants much longer than anyone expected according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

Zika can spread from mother to fetus during pregnancy and around the time of birth and can cause birth defects and other problems in infants. If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, speak to your health care provider about Zika precautions and testing.

The friendly, caring providers at The Women’s Center of Orlando brings the best of care to all patients with the very best services in Obstetrics, Gynecology, In Office Procedures, and Minimally Invasive Surgeries.

With six locations throughout Orange, Lake, Seminole, and Osceola Counties, we are the health center of choice for Central Florida’s women. We look forward to treating you and the women in your family for a future full of health, beauty, and happiness. Call us today at 407.857.2502 for a consultation with a friendly OBGYN provider at The Women’s Center.