U.S. official raises concerns over Zika readiness

How to counsel women about avoiding pregnancy where Zika is a concern also poses challenges, particularly if the pregnancy is unintended, as about half of all American pregnancies are, or if, as Dr. Fauci told reporters, pregnancy is “guided by laws and religion.”

Although federal policy has not been to advise persons about whether to delay pregnancy, Dr. Fauci said U.S. officials are unwilling to contradict authorities in local regions such as Puerto Rico where such statements have been issued.

On April 28, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of a commercial in vitro diagnostic test for use in individuals with symptoms of the virus, or those who have traveled to affected regions. Earlier this year, the FDA granted emergency authorization for use of a single test that can detect Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Still, serology tests for Zika are often inconclusive, since the virus can mimic dengue or chikungunya, according to Dr. Aldighieri. “It can be complex to know if there is a Zika or dengue or chikungunya outbreak,” he said.

wmcknight@frontlinemedcom.com

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