Few persons had confirmed Zika virus infection among those from the US and District of Columbia (DC) who had received testing for the Zika virus. This according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that looked at patterns in Zika virus testing and infection by report of symptoms and pregnancy status in the US from January 3 to March 5, 2016. The study found:

• Zika virus testing was performed for 4,534 persons from the US states and DC, among whom 3,335 (73.5%) were pregnant women.

• Among 1,541 persons with 1 or more Zika virus associated symptoms, 182 (11.8%) had confirmed Zika virus infections.

• Only 7 (0.3%) of 2,425 asymptomatic pregnant women who received testing had confirmed Zika virus infection.

The authors concluded that given the potential for adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes associated with Zika virus infections, healthcare providers should continue to offer Zika virus testing to asymptomatic pregnant women with potential exposure.

Citation: Dasgupta S, Reagan-Steiner S, Goodenough D, et al. Patterns in Zika virus testing and infection, by report of symptoms and pregnancy status — United States, January 3–March 5, 2016. [Published online ahead of print April 15, 2016]. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6515e1.