A Zika virus warning for Ovation Fertility™ patients
If you’ve watched the news or surfed the Web recently, you’ve probably heard about the Zika virus.
It poses a risk to unborn babies, and it can be spread by mosquito bites and sexual contact with infected individuals. Our partner fertility doctors can provide more information about the virus and recommend precautions for fertility patients. The Zika virus started in Brazil and has since spread through South and Central America.As of March 9, 2016, no one has contracted the Zika virus in the United States. However, 193 people in the US have contracted the virus from international travel or sexual contact with someone who has the virus.
The Zika virus isn’t serious for most patients. However, our Ovation Fertility™ doctors are advising patients to exercise extra caution because the virus can cause significant problems for unborn babies. The most common is microcephaly, or an unusually small head, which can cause neurological damage.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, our Ovation Fertility™ doctors recommend that you postpone travel to any of the affected countries and avoid sexual contact if your partner has returned from one of these countries.
If you have already traveled to a high-risk country or have been sexually active with someone who has, please let your physician know immediately. He or she can determine your risk and recommend any further testing or treatment.
Only 1 out of 5 people infected with the Zika virus will show symptoms. The illness appears to last a few days to a week, and its symptoms (listed below) are usually mild.
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
Right now there’s no vaccine to prevent the Zika virus and no medication to treat its symptoms. As a result, the standard course of treatment involves managing the symptoms with rest, fluids and acetaminophen.
While the Zika virus can cause serious birth defects, our physicians offer reassurances. If you follow the advice from the Centers for Disease Control, it’s very unlikely that you will contract it.
If you have any questions about the Zika virus, Ovation Fertility™ is here to help. Contact one of our network clinics.