A new website has been created specifically to help families affected by the Zika virus. It’s called Zika Care Connect (ZCC).
ZCC offers a network of specialized healthcare providers who can care for families potentially affected by the Zika virus.
Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with March of Dimes, the ZCC features resources for families as well as healthcare providers.
Through the ZCC, parents and providers can locate and find specialists to provide the unique care a pregnant woman or a baby with Zika needs.
ZCC helps pregnant women and parents of Zika affected babies (patients):
- find services and providers in their location who take their insurance and speak their language;
- find resource tools such as fact sheets and Zika checklists;
- get answers to questions through a HelpLine as well as the FAQ page.
All ZCC network healthcare providers can:
- stay up to date on the most recent clinical guidance issued by the CDC in order to manage and care for patients with the Zika virus;
- receive patient resource tools including downloadable materials;
- make and receive referrals to/from other providers within the ZCC network.
Why is the ZCC important to babies affected by Zika?
It is important that babies born to a mother who tested positive for Zika be evaluated thoroughly after birth, and regularly as they grow. Some babies do not show signs of being infected with the virus at birth, but they may have developmental problems as they get older. This is why babies need to be continuously monitored. If they need specialty care, it is important that affected babies receive help as soon as possible.
If a baby is born with a Zika-related birth defect, developmental delay or disability, parents may feel overwhelmed by their baby’s complex medical needs. They will require support and guidance as their baby receives medical care from multiple providers. Healthcare providers need to work closely with one another and the family, to monitor the baby’s development and coordinate care.
The ZCC can help parents and specialists by providing resources and a network of healthcare providers, all in one place.
Check out the Zika Care Connect website: www.zikacareconnect.org.
Call the ZCC Helpline 1-844-677-0447 (toll-free), Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm EST, to get answers to questions and get referrals to healthcare providers.
With ZCC, pregnant women and families may now get the medical help and support they need.
COMMENTS