Ultrasound Screening for Fetal Microcephaly Following Zika Virus Exposure
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine released a statement on the use of ultrasound screening for fetal microcephaly following Zika virus exposure.
Microcephaly is a condition in which the size of the head is smaller than expected for age. This condition in fetuses and infants has been associated with the recent outbreak of Zika virus. Due to this association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine have suggested ultrasound evaluation to measure the baby's head in pregnant women who have been infected or potentially exposed. Diagnosis of microcephaly by ultrasound is not always straightforward and can be complex. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine provided recommendations on how to interpret the findings, including when to perform follow-up ultrasound, as well as a table of values at each week of pregnancy that would define the lower limit of normal. The goal is to provide the tools to healthcare providers to counsel women who may have been exposed to the Zika virus. The Society for Maternal-Fetal will continue to assist clinicians in tackling this new health threat.
For more information on the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine's recommendations and the Zika virus, CLICK HERE.
Source: Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
