Following seven confirmed cases of Zika virus in Houston, healthcare providers are screening pregnant women for Zika virus.
Here are five insights:
1. Anne Barnes, MD, chief medical officer at Houston-based Legacy Community Health, said many patients come from Central and South America where Zika virus is rapidly spreading.
2. Providers are asking patients about their travel history as well as if they have been experiencing any Zika virus symptoms.
3. The most common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. However, most people infected with the virus do not exhibit symptoms.
4. Dallas County Health and Human Services confirmed a patient acquired Zika virus through sexual contact last week. However, Dr. Barnes says there is a very low risk of contracting the virus through sexual intercourse.
5. Dr. Barnes advises pregnant women to postpone travel or aggressively attempt to prevent mosquito bites.
More articles on quality & infection control:
Ben Taub Hospital receives Beacon Award for Excellence in patient care: 5 observations
High quality of care may lower mortality risk in patients who are prescribed opioids for pain: 4 things to know
Coast Health Alliance physicians discuss new vaccination requirements — 5 takeaways
