I am so grateful that I read about this on the June BMB before I booked the trip to Panama. We were planning to book that trip earlier this week but were waiting for my OB appointment before plunking down the deposit. I had read absolutely NOTHING in the national news about an outbreak and even when I searched, it was difficult to find information on the Zika Virus. Scary stuff
@Taymiller You're totally not raining on my parade! I'm glad you brought it to my attention. I just want to make an informed decision and do what's best for the baby and I didn't know anything about it!
Maybe I read too much cnn, but it was a headline about a month ago. The attention grabber was something about Brazil asking women to not get pregnant. Thanks for the information about the map above, I had not seen that before. I keep wondering if/when ACOG will make a statement about this.
Yup I just changed my stance 180 I wouldn't go. The Zika virus is real and can cause major issues if you are pregnant. To everyone else they may just get sick for a week but this will be transmitted through the placenta and cause your child head to stop growing. I have just I booked a trip to Mexico, it's not worth the risk to my child's unborn brain.
Here is the latest release from the CDC with specific precautions listed for women who are pregnant. Basically it says if you are pregnant you should not travel to infected areas unless necessary. And has been moved up from a Level 1 to a level 2 for all others.
We were getting ready to book a trip to Mexico when I first read article. I asked my OB and she advised against travel anywhere near the Caribbean. She feels not enough known yet, unsure if/how quickly will migrate north and just not worth the risk.
Yup I just changed my stance 180 I wouldn't go. The Zika virus is real and can cause major issues if you are pregnant. To everyone else they may just get sick for a week but this will be transmitted through the placenta and cause your child head to stop growing. I have just I booked a trip to Mexico, it's not worth the risk to my child's unborn brain.
I also changed 100%. When they had that other outbreak ~2 years ago, several members of my family (in Jamaica) got it (chitanunga?? Or something). The severity varied by person, but mosquito transmitted diseases are nothing to mess with. Hopefully any of you that already booked can get full refunds or credits!
So talked about it with my boss today and he immediately said he did not want me to go. So we are not going and fortunately we will also get our $2400 back. DS is going to be disappointed he doesn't get to see the ocean or go to the beach but we'll try to take him somewhere else later on. Just not worth the risk. I'd love to go to San Diego or Tampa or something but I'm in Canada and exchange is so bad right now that we can't justify it. Oh well! Thanks everyone for your advice and opinions!
Just FYI- I just read an article on CNN.com that the CDC is recommending pregnant women who have travelled to any affected area should get screened for the Zika virus. It said 80% of those infected don't have any noticeable symptoms. Not trying to freak anybody out, just trying to inform.
Also, is anybody worried this virus will travel? You know, since mosquitos fly? Hopefully none are interested in coming to Missouri.
Just FYI- I just read an article on CNN.com that the CDC is recommending pregnant women who have travelled to any affected area should get screened for the Zika virus. It said 80% of those infected don't have any noticeable symptoms. Not trying to freak anybody out, just trying to inform.
Also, is anybody worried this virus will travel? You know, since mosquitos fly? Hopefully none are interested in coming to Missouri.
I am definitely worried that it will travel, but these things do tend to be self limiting (reference: ebola mania). I have never been to Missouri, but if you guys are anywhere near as cold as Massachusetts is right now, no mosquito will come anywhere close, at least for the next few months!
While I was researching this I did read somewhere (where exactly I can't remember or I would post a link) that there was a little concern about the virus traveling to the US but nothing panic inducing because the particular breed of mosquitos that carries the virus is a tropical breed that isn't commonly found in the US. I think it mentioned something about Florida and Texas being the highest risk but that the CDC is monitoring for the migration of that breed into the US and it hasn't happened yet if it will at all. I'm pretty sure the government there would take no issue with fogging the crap out of them to eliminate if it were necessary.
I just heard on the news that there are 2 confirmed cases of Zika virus in pregnant women here in IL. Edit: To add I'm pretty sure they said they traveled to the Caribbean... so it's not like they contracted it in the US... just in case anyone was wondering.
@HMcDade1 I'm with you, I traveled over there in late december/early january... the place I went to didn't have any confirmed cases until 2 days ago, but that doesn't really reassure me...
While I was researching this I did read somewhere (where exactly I can't remember or I would post a link) that there was a little concern about the virus traveling to the US but nothing panic inducing because the particular breed of mosquitos that carries the virus is a tropical breed that isn't commonly found in the US. I think it mentioned something about Florida and Texas being the highest risk but that the CDC is monitoring for the migration of that breed into the US and it hasn't happened yet if it will at all. I'm pretty sure the government there would take no issue with fogging the crap out of them to eliminate if it were necessary.
Awesome.
Considering how many Brasilians and Central and Latin Americans come through Orlando, this is a real thing to me and my H now.
@Serpica next OB appointment I'm going to ask him if it's outrageous to ask to be tested... And I may ask the infection control Dr at my work if I run into him before then.
Let's keep everyone posted on what our docs say. My travel to the Carribean was over Thanksgiving, and the USVI doesn't have any confirmed cases as of now, so I have been reassuring myself of that and the fact that I don't recall Mosquitos or being bit. I did bring but spray, but wasn't using any extra sort of precautions.
My doc isn't worried about my risk based on the above.
Let's also keep each other posted if we come across any standard recommendations for those of us who have traveled (from ACOG or CDC)
I. AM. FREAKING. OUT. I got home from a Caribbean cruise on Sunday evening. The news about the Zika virus broke while we were travelling. Our access to the outside world was limited in international waters, and I didn't know anything about this until I got home.
Labadee, Haiti was one of our stops. I can't find evidence of mosquito bites anywhere on my body, but I'm still worried. I want to be screened for Zika now, just in case.
I thought I was being good. *sob* I asked my midwife at 8 weeks if it was ok to go on a cruise at 14/15 weeks, and she gave me a big thumbs-up, with a caution to only drink bottled water.
@PleaseSendPicklesNow (love your name btw). In my reading, I thought I read that screening within a week of exposure is best based on the antigens and such. I really didn't pay much attention as it wasn't applicable to me since I traveled in Nov. With that in mind, I would call and make an appointment ASAP if more accurate testing results can be obtained closer to time of potential exposure. You are likely fine if you don't recall exposure to mosquitos and don't have bites, but I would want to be screened as well.
@GoBadgers Yes, that is why I would like to be tested now--we were anchored in Labadee, Haiti last Friday, and I spent the afternoon at the beach. (!) I spoke to my midwives this afternoon, and they don't think testing is necessary, since I have no symptoms. But they do want me to take my temperature every 12 hours and call if I develop a temperature over 100.4. So far, my temp is normal. Fingers crossed it stays that way.
@PleaseSendPicklesNow I don't want to alarm you or cause you more stress but I personally would push the issue of being tested since only 1 in 5 people who contract it are symptomatic. Info as provided by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/index.html I'm not a doctor but if I had to guess I'd say you're more likely to have symptoms because pregnancy depresses your immune system but I have nothing to back that idea up other than it seems like it could make sense. I'm sure everything is fine though and you're not at risk but I personally would like the peace of mind.
Yeah I got bites in the Bahamas so I've been researching too. The testing detects best if it's been under 2 weeks since possible exposure. I'm past that mark so my only choice is to wait for my anatomy scan and maybe have a few extra ultrasounds afterwards. If you're in the 2 week window @PleaseSendPicklesNow I would request the test.
Editing to say I basically said what others had already said. But since you are in the window I would ask again. I intend my ask my OB next appointment after my anatomy scan. What's more monitoring except peace of mind.
I agree with @HMcDade1 and also think that since the virus or at least the threat of it, is so new to the US/North America that it doesn't hurt to arm yourself with information and to advocate for yourself and what you want. My midwife said herself it was such a new threat that she didn't know much about it. Your midwife might not realize how few people show symptoms or that testing is most effective in the early weeks.
More than malaria, I would research zika virus, which is having bad outbreaks in Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, among others. If you get it the symptoms are not bad for you but it can cause deformities in unborn children. In Colombia there was a Minisrey of Health warning for couples to delay conceiving until after July 2016. I don't want to scare you but I'd just check to see if it has been detected!
After talking with my Doctor today, we changed our travel plans to Mexico in March and re-booked a hopeful Zika-free destination. There's no way I would've been able to relax. with the possibility of a bite from one of those nasty mosquitos.
I did not read through every post so I apologize if this is redundant, but the CDC just put a warning out for pregnant women traveling to mexico, the Caribbean, south america, etc due to the Zika virus. If the virus is contracted while pregnant, the outcome for your baby could have detrimental effects. Just do some research before traveling.
Thanks to everyone who responsed yesterday. It's been a rough 24 hours, and I'm pretty scared. For those who didn't see my earlier post, I got home from a cruise on Sunday night. I sailed with my doctor's blessing, before anyone knew about Zika. We stopped in Mexico and Haiti, and only learned abut Zika after returning home.
To @silvers626 and @HMcDade1 : I desperately want to be tested, but my midwife practice is pretty firm about following the CDC's recommendation to ONLY test pregnant women who have travelled to a country with Zika, AND are exhibiting symptoms.
This is not because there is no risk, but because there are only a few labs in the country that can test for Zika right now. If EVERY pregnant woman who had travelled to an affected country within the last 9 months demanded a test, they would not be able to handle the demand. So they are limiting who can get the test.
I have no symptoms, but that's not very comforting, since 80% of people with Zika don't exhibit symptoms.
They are going to pay close attention to the baby's skull during ultrasounds from now on, and may order extra ultrasounds. It's not much comfort. Meanwhile, I have to continue taking my temp every 12 hours, and monitoring myself for other symptoms, for the next week and a half.
@PleaseSendPicklesNow I'm really sorry you have to go through all this. I'm sure everything is good but it will be hard for you to manage the stress. Hang in there!
@PleaseSendPicklesNow I am really sorry you are dealing with this. My high-risk OB said that she thought the CDC would revise the guidelines for testing once the early labs are not so overwhelmed/once new labs are trained to run the testing. Fingers crossed that happens soon, you get tested, and come back with good, uninfected results.
So sorry you can't get a clear cut answers. That has to Be frustrating glad your dr's going to be taking precautions though! My thoughts and prayers are with you and the little babe
@PleaseSendPicklesNow my suggestion might be a little too much, but if you are worrying like crazy I would find another doctor like at urgent care to test you. You have the right to ask and be reassured and I don't think its unjustified as you were in Haiti and there's plenty of case there.
FWIW @jolydan I have a friend in this position as well and her doctor said that they have to get special permission from the State Dept. of Health to send samples to the CDC for testing, and the CDC is the only organization that can do this testing (they have a couple of labs working and some state labs helping), so this isn't something another provider can fix. Just have to wait and watch for expanded testing guidelines.
@IB113 What you said, exactly. @jolydanIf Urgent Care (or anyone besides the CDC) could test for this, I would already have been tested.
Thank you to everyone who has offered support and kind words. My family is so freaked out, it's been hard to talk to them, This has been my main outlet and source of support. THANK YOU.
At this point, I've moved beyond working with my midwife practice and am talking to the local University Hospital, a big research hospital with a strong national reputation. They were honest and told me I'm the first potential case they've seen in our city (population ~1,000,000), and they don't know exactly what to do with me yet. At this time, they wom't test me. The CDC won't accept samples from asymptomatic people who might have Zika. Even though 80% of people infected with Zika don't show symptoms. This makes me want to tear my hair out, arrrrrrgh!
I asked if we could do frequent ultrasounds to monitor the baby's cranial development, and the hospital agreed. They are going to do frequent ultrasounds from now on to make sure his head is developing normally.
@IB113 If your friend who possibly contracted Zika can get similar ultrasound monitoring, perhaps that would be a comfort to her. I'll be sending good thoughts her way.
@PleaseSendPicklesNow While it's not a definitive answer, at least the ultrasounds will give you some peace of mind hopefully. The reality is that the chances of you actually having contracted the virus are pretty small so hopefully between that and the ultrasounds you'll be able to manage the inevitable anxiety.
Re: Caribbean Travel While Pregnant
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/s0315-zika-virus-travel.html
Also, is anybody worried this virus will travel? You know, since mosquitos fly? Hopefully none are interested in coming to Missouri.
Edit: To add I'm pretty sure they said they traveled to the Caribbean... so it's not like they contracted it in the US... just in case anyone was wondering.
Considering how many Brasilians and Central and Latin Americans come through Orlando, this is a real thing to me and my H now.
My doc isn't worried about my risk based on the above.
Let's also keep each other posted if we come across any standard recommendations for those of us who have traveled (from ACOG or CDC)
Labadee, Haiti was one of our stops. I can't find evidence of mosquito bites anywhere on my body, but I'm still worried. I want to be screened for Zika now, just in case.
I thought I was being good. *sob* I asked my midwife at 8 weeks if it was ok to go on a cruise at 14/15 weeks, and she gave me a big thumbs-up, with a caution to only drink bottled water.
https://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/index.html
I'm not a doctor but if I had to guess I'd say you're more likely to have symptoms because pregnancy depresses your immune system but I have nothing to back that idea up other than it seems like it could make sense. I'm sure everything is fine though and you're not at risk but I personally would like the peace of mind.
Editing to say I basically said what others had already said. But since you are in the window I would ask again. I intend my ask my OB next appointment after my anatomy scan. What's more monitoring except peace of mind.
To @silvers626 and @HMcDade1 : I desperately want to be tested, but my midwife practice is pretty firm about following the CDC's recommendation to ONLY test pregnant women who have travelled to a country with Zika, AND are exhibiting symptoms.
This is not because there is no risk, but because there are only a few labs in the country that can test for Zika right now. If EVERY pregnant woman who had travelled to an affected country within the last 9 months demanded a test, they would not be able to handle the demand. So they are limiting who can get the test.
I have no symptoms, but that's not very comforting, since 80% of people with Zika don't exhibit symptoms.
They are going to pay close attention to the baby's skull during ultrasounds from now on, and may order extra ultrasounds. It's not much comfort. Meanwhile, I have to continue taking my temp every 12 hours, and monitoring myself for other symptoms, for the next week and a half.
I am really sorry you are dealing with this. My high-risk OB said that she thought the CDC would revise the guidelines for testing once the early labs are not so overwhelmed/once new labs are trained to run the testing. Fingers crossed that happens soon, you get tested, and come back with good, uninfected results.
@jolydanIf Urgent Care (or anyone besides the CDC) could test for this, I would already have been tested.
Thank you to everyone who has offered support and kind words. My family is so freaked out, it's been hard to talk to them, This has been my main outlet and source of support. THANK YOU.
At this point, I've moved beyond working with my midwife practice and am talking to the local University Hospital, a big research hospital with a strong national reputation. They were honest and told me I'm the first potential case they've seen in our city (population ~1,000,000), and they don't know exactly what to do with me yet. At this time, they wom't test me. The CDC won't accept samples from asymptomatic people who might have Zika. Even though 80% of people infected with Zika don't show symptoms. This makes me want to tear my hair out, arrrrrrgh!
I asked if we could do frequent ultrasounds to monitor the baby's cranial development, and the hospital agreed. They are going to do frequent ultrasounds from now on to make sure his head is developing normally.
@IB113 If your friend who possibly contracted Zika can get similar ultrasound monitoring, perhaps that would be a comfort to her. I'll be sending good thoughts her way.