Spring 2017
CDC recently released a Vital Signs report that presents its latest findings on Zika infection in pregnant women and babies and the importance of prevention and early care. Forty-four states reported pregnant women with evidence of Zika in 2016. Key findings include:
- Most of these women acquired Zika virus infection during travel to an area with Zika.
- Nearly 1,300 pregnant women with evidence of possible Zika infection were reported to the US Zika Pregnancy Registry.
- Of the 1,000 pregnancies that were completed by the end of the year, more than 50 of those babies were born with birth defects.
- Among pregnant women with confirmed Zika infection, about one in 10 had a fetus or baby with birth defects.
- Confirmed infections in the first trimester posed the highest risk – with about 15% having Zika-related birth defects.
- About one in three babies with possible congenital Zika infection were not reported to have been tested for Zika at birth.
- Only one in four babies with possible congenital Zika infection were reported to have received brain imaging after birth.
These findings underscore the importance of protecting pregnant women from Zika virus infection and among affected babies and the need for continued care and follow-up. Read the complete report on CDC’s website.