Pregnancy & Zika Virus: Officials May Suggest Delay Of Conception In Virus Zones

Pregnancy risks posed by Zika virus infection are polarizing health officials in their opinion about planning a family in areas affected by the mosquito-borne illness. While some officials believe that risks are manageable despite infection spread, health officials on the other side of the argument are suggesting delay in conception and pregnancy in current Zika virus zones.

The New York Times reports that the suggested delay in pregnancy is only during the peak months of Zika virus infection. According to the director of Pan American Health Organization, which is a branch of the World Health Organization, the suggested period of pregnancy delay is reasonable.

However, not all in WHO agree with the pregnancy avoidance policy as a response to the rising cases of Zika virus infection. WHO's head of emergency response, Dr. Bruce Aylward, pointed out that pregnancy avoidance should not be treated as a one size fits all policy.

According to World Tech Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) verified that Zika virus infection may lead to brain damage among infants, in contrast with the mild symptoms that adults exhibit from exposure to the mosquito-borne disease. Deformity and development interference in infants were also found in a number of Zika virus infection cases.

The media outlet further reports that health officials, who believe that pregnancy avoidance is not the answer, point out that not all pregnancies in Zika virus zones are affected by infection. Majority of these pregnancies result in healthy births rather than to Zika virus statistics.

Nonetheless, a number of health experts propose that prevention is the more responsible route to take. Experts support this proposal by pointing out that a person infected by the Zika virus develops permanent immunity to the disease. Momentary delay, therefore, is purported to be worth protecting future children from birth defect risks. Zika virus infection outbreak tends to be intense episodes that last for only short periods of time.