Prevention of Zika Virus Among Pregnant Women in Puerto Rico

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Zika virus can cause microcephaly and other severe birth defects in babies born to mothers infected with Zika during pregnancy.
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More than 3,000 pregnant women had Zika infection in Puerto Rico in 2016.

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Pregnant women can get Zika from the bite of an infected mosquito OR from having sex without condoms with an infected partner.
HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST ZIKA DURING PREGNANCY
Prevent Mosquito Bites
  • Use insect repellent
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts
    and long pants
  • Use window and door screens
Prevent Passing Zika During Sex
  • Use a condom from start to finish, every time during sex

OR

  • Don’t have sex
In fall 2016, the Puerto Rico Department of Health and CDC conducted a survey of women who recently gave birth to a live infant. The survey, called PRAMS-ZPER, asked about the use of recommended measures to prevent Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

PRAMS-ZPER SURVEY RESULTS*

Behaviors Reported During Pregnancy

94% were counseled about Zika during pregnancy, 77% were tested for Zika during pregnancy
9 in 10

9 in 10 women were somewhat or very worried about Zika

9 in 10

5 in 10 women used mosquito repellent daily

9 in 10

2 in 10 sexually active women used condoms every time during sex

9 in 10

1 in 10 women wore long-sleeved shirts and long pants daily

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS TO PROTECT AGAINST ZIKA
  • Promote use of protective measures by pregnant women
  • Assess barriers pregnant women face in using protective measures
  • Develop new ways to encourage use of measures by pregnant women

*PRAMS-ZPER Results: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6622a2.htm?s_cid=mm6622a2_e