On Aug. 11, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) held a call on Zika virus preparedness and response. As much about the Zika virus is still unknown, recommendations may be changing frequently with discoveries and new protocols. The CDC’s Zika website is a resource-rich site with updated Zika testing protocols, recommendations and training documents. The CDC will release a new document in the coming weeks that will provide key Zika considerations in the health care setting.
In Washington State, if you are caring for a patient suspected of having or known to have the Zika virus, contact your local health jurisdiction for reporting and assistance. You can also call Department of Health at 206-418-5500 for urgent situations when cannot reach someone at your local health jurisdiction. The CDC also has a 24/7 Zika hotline and email for providers who are caring for pregnant women who are suspected of having or known to have the Zika virus; call 770-488-7100 and ask for the Zika pregnancy hotline, or email zikamch@cdc.gov. (Janine Reisinger)
