CDC Zika Press Conference: Audio & Transcript

#10,899


The CDC has posted the transcript of last night's hastily called CDC press conference (at 7pm EST) on yesterday's release of new, interim travel advice for pregnant women seeking to travel to countries where the Zika virus is transmitting.


As to why a late Friday presser instead of waiting until Monday, (asked by journalist Eben Brown), Dr. Lyle Petersen explained:

The reason is we believe this is a fairly serious problem. The infection is or the virus is spreading fairly rapidly throughout the Americas. We know in populations that it does affect, a large percentage of the population may be become infected. And because of this growing risk of or growing evidence that there's a link between Zika virus and microcephaly, which is a very severe and devastating outcome, it was important to warn people as soon as possible.

A press release by the state of Hawaii yesterday (HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECEIVES CONFIRMATION OF ZIKA INFECTION IN BABY BORN WITH MICROCEPHALY) - born to a mother who lived in Brazil during her 1st trimester last year - only serves to highlight the risks.


Last night the CDC followed up this press conference by releasing: 

CDC Issues Interim Travel Advice On Zika Virus (Level 2 - Enhanced Precautions) 

CDC HAN: Recognizing, Managing & Reporting ZIka Virus Infections In Travelers

 

The audio and transcript of last night's 38 minute press conference outlines some of the preliminary data - gathered primarily in Brazil - that prompted the issuance of these recommendations, and discusses the potential for future spread in the United States. 


The transcript/audio is very informative, and highly recommended. 

 

Transcript for CDC Telebriefing: Zika Virus Travel Alert

Press Briefing Transcript

Friday, January 15, 2016 at 7 pm E.T.

• Zika Virus Travel Alert[audio MP3 - 8 MB]

Please Note:This transcript is not edited and may contain errors. 

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