Outbreaks of Zika virus have been reported in Africa, the South Pacific and most recently the Americas. The Florida Department of Health has identified one neighborhood of Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitos. The virus may also be transmitted between sexual partners, from mother to fetus, and likely through blood transfusion. There is no vaccine or medicine to treat the virus. The Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Resources & Services Administration, and healthcare systems and providers are working to combat the virus from spreading while treating those affected by the virus.
Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- What You Need to Know about Zika Virus
- How Zika Virus Affects Pregnancy
- Information for Parents about Zika Virus
Maternal and Child Health
HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau has worked closely with the CDC in response to Zika. The Bureau has taken the following actions to address the spread of the virus.
- Working with grantees to disseminate information about the virus to pregnant women and those of child bearing age
- Ensuring providers receive clinical guidance on screening newborns and infants exposed to the virus in-utero
- Developing strategies and best practices for MCH professions to ensure children born with microcephaly or central nervous system defects receive healthcare, early intervention, and support services.
Learn more about MCHB and its partner organization’s response to Zika virus.
Health Centers Respond to Zika
Health Centers are critical resources in combating Zika. The Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded $5 million to health centers in Puerto Rico and $742,000 to health centers in American Samoa and the Virgin Islands to fight Zika As the virus spreads, health centers will be important in sharing information about Zika and treating those infected.
Resources for health centers and healthcare providers
- Providing Family Planning Care for Non-Pregnant Women and Men of Reproductive Age in the Context of Zika (PDF)
- Spanish Language Resources about Zika
- Supporting Children with Special Healthcare Needs Planning Resource (PDF)
- Technical Assistance for BPHC Health Centers: Family Planning and Related Services in Health Centers (PDF)
Resources Developed by HRSA Grantees
- Zika Virus and Pregnancy (PDF) (MotherToBaby)
- Zika Virus Disease and Your Eyes
(Prevent Blindness)
