As hospitals in the country prepare to treat more and more Zika-infected expectant mothers and their babies, who have a higher risk of serious birth defects, Children's National Health System in Washington, D.C., has launched a Congenital Zika Virus Program to help.
The program will offer access to specialists, provide blood testing and fetal MRI exams, and will treat babies affected by the virus, according to USA Today. A hospital spokesperson said the hospital hopes to provide pregnant women with as much information as possible from their first visit, including information about whether their child is likely to suffer birth defects linked to the virus.
Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, both in Houston, have launched similar specialized programs aimed at helping those diagnosed with Zika virus.
More than 500 cases of Zika have been diagnosed in the continental U.S., but the actual number of infected individuals may be much higher, as only about one in five will display symptoms. Children's National Health System told USA Today it is gearing up to handle a large volume of Zika virus cases should the spread pick up speed.