Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Aedes mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and feed both indoors and outdoors. Zika virus can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
About video: The mosquito-borne Zika virus has spread to more than 20 countries near the equator mostly in South America and the Caribbean. And Kinkade interviews expert Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean of the U.S National School of Tropical Medicine in Houston about the symptoms and how pregnant women can get screened for the virus.
Zika virus RT-PCR and serology assays can be performed on maternal serum or plasma. Zika virus RT-PCR can also be performed on amniotic fluid.
Other testing that can performed includes the following:
1) Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical staining of the placenta and umbilical cord,
2) Zika virus testing of frozen placental tissue and cord tissue, and
3) IgM and neutralizing antibody testing of cord blood.
More info: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/qa-pregnant-women.html
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