DESPITE WARNING, PREGNANT NEW YORKERS CONTINUE TO TRAVEL TO ZIKA-AFFECTED AREAS, HEALTH DEPARTMENT
More than 2,000 pregnant women who have traveled to Zika-affected
areas have been tested – 41 are positive for Zika virus
Daily number of pregnant women tested for Zika is increasing, nearly 60 each day
Department launches new campaign reminding New Yorkers about
Zika travel warning and sexual transmission
July 20, 2016 – At a meeting today with members of ethnic and community media outlets, Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett revealed new data that show a steady increase in the number of pregnant women who have traveled to Zika-affected areas and have been tested for the virus upon their return. Zika is known to cause miscarriage and serious birth defects, including microcephaly. In response, the Health Department is launching a new media campaign today that sends two clear messages to New Yorkers pregnant or trying to become pregnant, as well as their partners: Delay travel to areas where there is active transmission of the Zika virus, and use condoms or other barrier protection when having sex with a person who has recently traveled to an area with ongoing Zika transmission. A copy of the guidelines can be found athttp://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/
The campaign, which builds on existing “Fight Back NYC” messaging, will begin today on social media and expand to subways, print and TV in the coming weeks.
To date, physicians have requested testing for more than 2,000 pregnant women who have traveled to areas where there is active transmission of Zika. Additionally, pregnant women continue to be tested for potential sexual exposure following travel-related Zika exposure of their male partner. In the last month, the daily number of test requests has steadily increased. Last Friday alone, the City’s Zika Test Call Center received 56 test requests. Of the 2,000 women who have been tested, 41 have been confirmed to have the Zika virus as of July 15, 2016.
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