Zika Virus in Florida: March of Dimes Offers Advice, Warnings for Pregnant Women

TAMPA BAY, FL — Florida’s confirmation of four locally transmitted, mosquito-spread Zika virus cases marks a first for the United States. It also signals cause for concern for pregnant women and those wishing to become so, according to officials from the March of Dimes.

“This is the news we’ve been dreading,” said Dr. Edward R.B. McCabe, senior vice president and chief medical officer of the March of Dimes. “It’s only a matter of time before babies are born with microcephaly, a severe brain defect, due to local transmission of Zika in the continental U.S. Our nation must accelerate education and prevention efforts to save babies from this terrible virus. Federal, state and local authorities are doing the best they can with the limited resources available to them, but much more is needed.”

Florida’s confirmed locally transmitted cases involve two residents in Miami-Dade and two residents in Broward counties. The Florida Department of Health said the cases represent a “small case cluster” and are not considered widespread transmission. All told, Florida had confirmed 386 travel-related cases of Zika virus as of Friday. With the four locally transmitted cases, the state’s toll rose to 390 cases. To date, 55 cases involving pregnant women are included in the tally.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends women who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant postpone travel to areas where there is widespread Zika infection.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is characterized by a fever, rash and joint pain. While the illness typically resolves within a week, some severe cases may require hospitalization.

The CDC has confirmed that the Zika virus is responsible for causing severe defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and often with brains that do not develop properly.

Dr. Lindsay Maggio, a March of Dimes volunteer and assistant professor at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine, shared her top tips for expectant mothers and those hoping to become pregnant:

• Avoid travelling to areas of ongoing active transmission, if possible

Protect yourself against mosquito bites. This includes:

• Using an EPA approved mosquito repellent is safe to use as long as the use instructions are followed. Products containing DEET, picardin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are safe to use in pregnant women.
• Keeping your skin covered with long sleeves as much as possible and use permetherin treated clothing to prevent bites.

Protect your home against mosquitoes. This includes:

• Using air conditioning, however, when necessary use bed netting, even permethrin treated netting
• Repair any broken screens, cracks, holes and areas where mosquitoes can enter your home
• Empty any standing water in and around the home as this is the breeding ground for mosquitoes

Prevent sexual transmission: “If your partner has traveled or was living in an area of active ongoing transmission, either abstain from sexual intercourse, or consistently and correctly use a condom.”

More information is available on the March of Dimes website.

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