Zika infection is caused by a virus that is spread by mosquitoes (these types of mosquitoes are not found in Washington state). Zika is acquired by traveling to a high-risk areas or through sexual contact with an infected person. The virus can cause birth defects if a pregnant woman becomes infected. Currently there is no medication or vaccine to treat or prevent Zika infection. For more information please see the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Washington State Department of Health (DOH) websites.
Below are links with information for health care providers. Please note: Providers should consult with public health nurses or the health officer prior to ordering Zika testing, to do this please call 360-778-6100.
Clinical guidance: Pregnant women
Clinical guidance: Infants and Children
Clinical guidance: Women of reproductive age
Clinical guidance: Prevention of sexual transmission
CDC information for healthcare providers
CDC Zika training for healthcare providers
Testing algorithm for asymptomatic pregnant women with possible Zika exposure
Testing algorithm for symptomatic pregnant women with possible Zika exposure
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