→ Infectious Disease → Zika Virus → Zika Healthcare Provider FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Zika
- For Healthcare Providers
Q: Which patients should I talk to about Zika prevention?
A: Anyone of reproductive age; all men and women who are sexually active should be educated on Zika, the risk of traveling to areas with risk of Zika, and sexual transmission of Zika.
All pregnant women should be asked about possible Zika virus exposure before and during the current pregnancy and at every prenatal care visit. It is also recommended that pregnant women with a sex partner who has traveled to or lives in an area with risk for Zika virus transmission use condoms or abstain from sex for the duration of the pregnancy. Pregnant women should not travel to areas with a current outbreak of Zika.
Q: Can Zika testing be done for women that were possibly exposed to Zika virus and want to get pregnant?
A: Zika testing is not recommended for asymptomatic couples interested in getting pregnant in which one or both partners has had possible exposure to Zika virus. Couples that are considering getting pregnant should talk to their doctor about the risks and possible consequences before traveling to areas with risk of Zika. It is recommended that women and men who have possible exposure to Zika through sex or travel wait before trying to conceive. During the waiting period, couples should use condoms from start to finish every time or not have sex. The waiting period is different for men and women because Zika stays in semen longer than other bodily fluids.
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Women |
Men |
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Potential exposure to Zika virus through unprotected sex or travel to an area with Zika virus transmission |
Wait at least 8 weeks after symptoms start or after last possible exposure. |
Wait at least 3 months after symptoms start or after last possible exposure. |
Q: Should testing be done on asymptomatic sex partners of pregnant women?
A: Zika testing for asymptomatic sex partners of pregnant women is not recommended. Testing does not determine how likely a person is to pass Zika virus through sex. Since Zika can remain in some fluids longer than blood, including semen, someone could have a negative blood test and still carry Zika in their genital secretions.
Q: What are the fees for Zika virus testing in Maine?
A: The fees for Zika virus testing will vary based on what testing laboratory your samples get sent to. The charge for each PCR test sent to the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is $110. If you are submitting samples to a commercial laboratory, please contact them directly to get information on the fees.
Q: What is the turnaround time for Zika testing results?
A: The turnaround time for PCR tests sent to the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is within two business days after the specimen is received. The turnaround time for PCR tests sent to commercial laboratories may be different and you should check with the laboratory directly.