​New data suggest that RNA from Zika virus can be detected for prolonged periods in certain women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on July 25, 2016, in updated interim guidance for healthcare providers caring for pregnant women with possible Zika exposure. Zika RNA may stay in the blood of pregnant women longer than the seven-day window that had previously been recommended for testing. CDC now recommends expanding real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing, in order to increase the number of pregnant women who receive a definitive diagnosis. Pregnant women who are evaluated less than 2 weeks after potential exposure to Zika should have serum and urine rRT-PCR testing, CDC said, whether or not they are symptomatic. Those evaluated between 2 and 12 weeks after possible exposure should first undergo a Zika immunoglobulin (IgM) antibody test. CDC said possible exposures to Zika include travel to an area with active Zika virus transmission or unprotected sex with a partner, male or female, who has traveled to such an area. CDC updated its recommendations to include the possibility that Zika can be transmitted sexually by an infected woman. As of July 21, 2016, 50 countries and territories have reported active Zika transmission, CDC said. Most people with Zika virus infection are asymptomatic, but infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other brain defects, and the virus has also been linked to other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage and stillbirth. CDC offers additional information at http://www.cdc.gov/zika.

HRC Recommends: Healthcare organizations that may provide care to pregnant women potentially exposed to Zika virus should stay up to date on guidance addressing patient evaluation and care. Risk managers should route the interim guidance to appropriate personnel and departments and remain alert for other information and guidance from CDC.