Site icon Tinybeans

CDC Downgraded Its Zika Virus Warning, Which Is Good News for Pregnant Women

There is some good news for expectant moms hoping for a babymoon or vacation getaway: Zika travel warnings for pregnant women have been eased significantly by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pregnant travelers and those hoping to conceive can rest a little easier knowing that the Zika virus that swept the globe in a widespread outbreak the past few years seems to have passed its peak. The CDC has downgraded its Zika warning to American travelers and the World Health Organization will be doing the same.

photo: Nelly Aran via Pexels

Instead of avoiding travel to certain countries entirely, the CDC’s newly updated recommendation is that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should check with their health providers about the risk if Zika when making travel plans.

“Where there are those big outbreaks, we’re definitely going to tell you not to go,” said Martin Cetron, director of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. “Where there is a range of possibilities, from no Zika to low-level background Zika, we’re going to tell you there’s been virus there before; it could still be there. If you’re a zero-risk person, don’t go. If you’re not, you decide.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

RELATED STORIES

Hedgehogs Are Super Cute & All—But Stop Cuddling Them, Says CDC

Americans Are Having Way Fewer Babies, New CDC Report Says

The CDC Would Like to Remind You: Please Don’t Eat Raw Cookie Dough