PCHD Releases Updated Zika Guidance

The Pima County Health Department has released the following guidance to answer questions about identifying and testing for Zika. This information is intended to inform the way providers in Pima County consider Zika virus infection as a  diagnosis for their patients and outlines the Arizona Department of Health Services guidance for testing.

• Testing for Zika virus infection should be considered among for individuals who
• Have travel to a Zika virus-endemic areas (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/notices);OR
• Have had sex (including vaginal, anal, and oral) with someone suspected to have Zika virus infection; AND
• Have at least two of the following four symptoms/signs that constitute the clinical case definition: fever (low-grade, 37.8-38.5 degrees C),

1. Rash (maculopapular),
2. arthalgias (small joints of hands and feet), and/or
3. conjunctivitis (nonpurulent, bilateral); OR

• Are pregnant (including asymptomatic)

Decisions to test based on travel history are made on an individual basis at the discretion of the local health department with input from the healthcare provider. Although some countries (such as Mexico) have ongoing Zika virus transmission, the risk level for disease transmission is not the same in all areas (for example, Zika virus has not been detected in the northern states of Mexico). Please see the attached testing algorithms for detailed testing information and Arizona Department of Health Service’s full Interim Zika Testing Guidance document on their website.

All suspected cases should be reported to the local health department. We are available 24-hours a day by calling (520) 724-7797. Local health department staff will help coordinate testing if warranted.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and the Pima County Health Department is eager to work closely with PCMS to ensure the health and safety of this community. You are encourage to PCHD’s website, for additional information that includes guidance for healthcare providers, informational handouts, and other resources to share with the public.