Letter from State Health Department

[STATE HD LOGO]

April 4, 2016

Dear [Insert Name],

We are writing to you on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC is conducting a study of men, like yourself, who have been infected with Zika virus. As you likely know, Zika virus has been causing illness recently in Central and South America. It is usually spread by mosquitoes, but we now know that it can also be spread by men to their sexual partners. Because the virus has been linked to birth defects, it is a great concern for some pregnant women or couples trying to get pregnant. The goal of their research is to find out how often - and for how long -- the virus is found in the semen and urine of infected men. This information will help CDC better advise people on how to prevent sexual transmission of Zika virus and potentially prevent birth defects and other conditions linked to Zika virus.

Our records indicate that you are eligible for this study. We are contacting you to see if you may be interested in taking part. If you agree to take part, you will be asked to give samples of your urine and semen every 2 weeks for up to 6 months after your illness started. CDC will test your samples for Zika virus and give you the results at the end of the study. You will collect the samples at home and you will receive a token of appreciation for your time and effort.

If you would like to be in the study or would just like more information, we are asking you to email CDC at ZikaMalesStudy@cdc.gov or call the study manager, Dr. Alison Hinckley, at CDC at 970.266.3558. If you would feel more comfortable, you may, instead, call me, [Name], at [state health department] and let me know that it is OK to share your phone number with the CDC research team.

You do not have to be in this study if you do not wish. If you choose to be in the study, you may leave the study at any time for any reason. For your information, we have enclosed a copy of the study consent form. This form gives you more details on the study so that you can make an informed decision.

Thank you,

State HD contact person