Zika Virus Information for Health Care Providers

Testing for Zika virus in NYS

Testing for Zika virus can be requested through the NYS public health laboratory, the Wadsworth Center, or through commercial labs. These documents provide details regarding patient eligibility for testing, how to request testing, and how to collect and ship specimens to the Wadsworth Center.

Specimens to collect at birth if Zika virus infection is suspected

If a woman has tested positive for Zika virus during (or just before) pregnancy, testing of the infant at birth is recommended. Updated guidance on what specimens to collect at birth, and how to ship them for testing is now available.

Interpreting Zika results

New tools are available to assist with the interpretation of laboratory results reported from the Wadsworth Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zika materials and patient resources

NYSDOH Health Advisories (January 2017 to present)

Quick Zika Virus Reference Guide
Medical professionals treating Zika-exposed pregnant patients Medical professionals treating Zika-affected children
Day of Delivery Testing and Specimen Collection for Zika Virus - January 24, 2018 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), October 20, 2017:

Update: Interim Guidance for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Infants with Possible Congenital Zika virus Infection – United States, October 2017

Healthcare providers caring for pregnant women and their partners should regularly visit this CDC Zika website for the most up-to-date recommendations: www.cdc.gov/zika/ Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers

For information on a variety of therapeutic and support services to eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families visit: NYS Early Intervention Program

Health Informational Message: Zika Virus Testing - January 24, 2018 Congenital Malformations Registry

The registry is an archive of case reports of children born or residing in New York State diagnosed before the age of two with any structural, functional or biochemical abnormality determined genetically or induced during gestation and not due to birthing events. Congenital Malformations

Additional Resources