Where to get the latest on Zika virus

Update as of Wednesday February 3 at 4:00pm: CDC adds two destinations to Zika virus travel alerts.

As you flip through the various TV channels, it’s the top headline scrolling across your TV screen on every news station: The Zika virus. Now a sexually transmitted case has been confirmed in Texas, making getting information about this disease a bigger priority. 

During the recent MauiDerm 2016 meeting Sheila Fallon Friedlander, M.D., professor of clinical dermatology and pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital and UCSD School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif., mentioned why dermatologists should be aware of the recent increase in cases of the Zika virus infection. In her talk she stated that the information about Zika is worrisome considering the consequences. She noted the growing number of cases.

“Fortunately, no local cases have yet been identified in the U.S., but it is probably just a matter of time, given that the responsible mosquito species does inhabit the U.S.,” Dr. Friedlander told colleagues. 

With the Zika virus on everyone’s mind, we want to provide you a one-stop-shop with the latest links and information to help you and your patients.

The American Medical Association recently sent out a statement saying they are working to ensure physicians are prepared to respond to patients’ concerns about this mosquito transmitted disease. They have created a Zika resource center for support.

NEXT: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its Global Health page offering a global perspective on Zika virus, including facts and stats, data, Q&As, and a blog from the CDC director on what the agency is doing about the threat.

Under CDC’s Traveler’s Health page, there are the latest travel advisories and information for physicians on recognizing, managing and reporting patients suspected of infection.

The CDC also has created a resource center specifically on Zika, including information specific to healthcare providers.

Here at Dermatology Times, part of the Modern Medicine network, you can read what experts in a variety of specialties are saying about the Zika virus and what they think you need to know:

The Zika Virus: what you need to know

Zika virus and microcephaly

Zika virus: what pediatricians need to know

Does the Zika virus concern you? Are you prepared to recognize and treat the virus? Are you talking to patients? What are your thoughts on this virus?

We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts and concerns on this issue with us, so we to can provide you with better insight around diagnosis, treatment, practice procedures and much more.