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California Nurses Using Lessons Learned From Ebola Outbreak For Zika Virus

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Health experts are trying to take lessons from last year's Ebola outbreak to get a handle on the Zika virus.

The union representing California nurses says it's developing new protocols similar to those in place against Ebola, but the problem is still so new, nurses are having to rely on the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention for protective measures.

The strict precautions in place for the Ebola virus may be a distant memory, but for neonatal nurse Catherine Kennedy, the Zika virus is raising new questions about potential exposure.

"You know i'm concerned about it," she said. "If someone is infected we have protocols in place-we would isolate that mother."

The CDC warns women should avoid travel to areas where Zika transmission is ongoing, but so far the CDC has not issued new guidelines for healthcare providers.

The California Nurses Association says it's now developing its own protocols related to the Zika virus.

The focus remains on pregnant women, as the illness is blamed for a spike in severe birth defects including microcephaly.

A Yolo County resident was diagnosed with the virus, but unlike Ebola, Kennedy says the panic level is low.

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