CDC discusses updated guidelines in Zika virus webinar

The AMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently held a webinar to provide an update for physicians and other clinicians on the status of the Zika virus outbreak and the latest clinical guidance to help them diagnose and manage patients and prevent further transmission.“As the Zika virus outbreak continues to evolve and more Americans become impacted by the virus,” said AMA PresidentAndrew W. Gurman, MD, ” we must ensure that our nation’s physicians, and all clinicians, are prepared to handle possible cases of the virus and are equipped with the most up-to-date information to answer patients’ questions.” The webinar, “Preparing for Zika transmission in the United States,” is available online at the AMA’sZika Virus Resource Center. Experts provided details of the latest epidemiological and clinical aspects of the current Zika outbreak, implications for pregnant women and the CDC ’s most up-to-date clinical guidance to support health care professionals in combatting and preventing complications.Updated pregnancy guidelines There is emerging data indicating Zika virus RNA can be detected for prolonged periods of time in some pregnant women. The CDC hopes to increase the proportion of pregnant women with Zika virus infection who receive a definitive diagnosis by expanding real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing. Testing recommendations vary according to the type and timing of possible exposure. ...
Source: AMA Wire - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Source Type: news