The CDC( Centers for Disease Control has revealed that there are 6 cases of Zika related birth defects in the mainland US. These are those that have delivered so far. Overall, there are 234 cases of confirmed Zika in pregnancy women in the US. All of these Zika infections were acquired elsewhere and brought here. Accordingly, New York has the most cases of Zikaa in the US, being a port of entry. So far there have been no cases of Zika infections transmitted by mosquitos in the US, though Aedes mosquitos are due to being bitting in the Southern states this week.
Another preliminary study has come out suggesting that contracting Zika later in pregnancy confers less risk of perinatal malformations. This study was done in Columbia where there are over 12000 pregnant women who have the virus. It is interesting to note that about 80% of Zika infections are asymptomatic. These asymptomatic cases cause microcephaly all the same.
The WHO (World Health Organization) has come out stating that there is little risk that the Olympics will case Zika to spread around the world. I personally question this, but hope they are correct.
In other news, California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill potentially allowing illegal immigrants to buy insurance coverage on the state’s exchange. This seemingly radical idea is interesting to consider, since these people do come in for care. Without this coverage this care goes unreimbursed but still costs the taxpayer money. With the coverage, these people would presumably come in for preventive care or at least for earlier treatment which would mean a savings in both money and human suffering.
A study released this last week predicts that if the next president repeals the ACA (Affordable Care Act) the 24 million Americans will lose health insurance coverage. Most doctors feel this would cost us more than the insurance in the long run. Speaking of the ACA, premiums may rise as much as 10% next year.
CMS(Center for Medicaid Services) has adopted a policy encouraging the use of LARCs (Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives). They have concluding that this is good way to reduce the incidence and cost of unintended pregnancy. An article this week in the Atlantic has highlighted how many communities in the south the so-called “ Bible Belt” discourage discussion of contraceptives, especially IUDs, preferring instead “ abstinence curriculums” .
New research published in Obstetrics and Gynecology has indicated that most websites and apps for fertility are inaccurate in predicting fertility window. Really ? This is not rocket science.
In the good news department, there may finally be some help to prevent vertical ( mother to child) transmission of Hepatitis B. When Tenofevir is used before birth, infant’s viral load and 7 month infections rates are lower than those who did not get the treatment.
Stay tuned next week for more news from the world of Obstetrics and Gynecology. And don’t forget…. DEET is safe in pregnancy !!