Health officials in Texas say a person in Dallas County caught Zika virus after having sexual contact with an infected partner.Details are scant, but Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reports that the person fell ill with Zika after sexual contact with an infected traveler.The health department is advising people with symptoms — including a rash, joint pain, fever, or red eyes — to see a doctor if they’ve been to an area where mosquitoes carry the virus or if they’ve had sex with someone who has returned from one of those areas.
It’s not
yet known how common cases of sexual transmission of Zika may be. The
possibility has only been documented in a handful of instances. The main method
of transmission is through mosquito bites.In 2008, a
malaria expert infected his wife with Zika when he returned to Colorado after
collecting mosquitoes in Senegal, Africa.In 2013,
French researchers reported finding Zika virus in the semen of one of their
male patients.
“Now that
we know Zika virus can be transmitted through sex, this increases our awareness
campaign in educating the public about protecting themselves and others,” said
Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director.The CDC
said in a statement, “Based on what we know now, the best way to avoid Zika
virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites and to avoid exposure to semen
from someone who has been exposed to Zika virus or has been ill from Zika virus
infection.”
It’s not
yet known how long a person can transmit the virus, according to the CDC.“Sexual
partners can protect themselves by using condoms to prevent spreading sexually
transmitted infections. People who have Zika virus infection can protect others
by preventing additional mosquito bites.”The CDC
said it will issue additional guidance soon on preventing sexual transmission
of Zika, “with a focus on the male sexual partners of women who are or who may
be pregnant.” The virus has been linked to serious birth defects in babies of
infected women.
Experts
say this one is a no-brainer.“If
someone is sick, it’s probably not a good idea to have sex until they’re
better,” says Jill Rabin, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist and co-chief of the
Division of Ambulatory Care at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, N.Y.She says
abstinence is the safest thing, followed by condoms. But she notes even condoms
are not foolproof.And
pregnant women should be especially careful, Rabin noted.“It seems
like a high price to pay for a sexual encounter. Even if you’re madly in love
with the person,” she says.
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