Zika Virus: US investigates into 14 sexually transmitted cases

The announcement indicates that although the test results on these individuals are not yet conclusive, the CDC is taking seriously the possibility that “sexual transmission may be a more likely means of transmission for Zika virus than previously considered”, the agency stated in a media advisory.

The virus has been confirmed to be in blood samples from two women, using a method that detects pieces of the virus’ genetic material, say doctors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All of the cases involve men who traveled to areas where Zika is circulating and had symptoms of the virus within two weeks before their female partner’s symptoms began. The CDC is not yet sure.

‘These recommendations might seem extreme to people, but the truth of the matter is we don’t yet have good scientific data to say how long the virus may persist in semen, ‘ McQuiston said. “Research is now underway to answer this question as soon as possible”, the CDC added.

If you’re trying to get pregnant, proceed with caution if visiting these areas. But in Brazil, health officials have reported an apparent link between Zika infection and a rare birth defect.

The CDC is working with state health officials to investigate all of these cases.

Brazil on Tuesday raised the number of microcephaly cases linked to Zika. The Zika virus spreads through mosquito bites and now, there is no cure for it. “We were concerned enough that we thought it was important to share that information…” The Aedes aegypti mosquito that spreads Zika proliferates in such neighborhoods, where omnipresent trash provides breeding grounds in discarded margarine tubs, yogurt containers and plastic bottle caps.

“I come from a pediatric infectious disease background and am also a mom, so looking at these children clinically, they were distinct from other congenital infections I’ve seen”, said Staples, who spent time in Brazil recently as part of a World Health Organization mission. House Republicans have said that would be the best way to fund a fight against Zika, the AP said.

The popular “understanding is that Zika virus (is behind the microcephaly spike)”. The virus itself is relatively harmless to most people, but what’s worrying is the potential that it causes severe birth defects.

The health sector will continue strengthen the supervision at ports of entry for passengers from the countries and territories where the Zika virus is spreading, announced the General Department of Preventive Medicine (GDPM) under the Ministry of Health on February 23.

While news of Zika virus cases are becoming more prominent, most students at Ohio State should not be alarmed but should take precautions when traveling overseas to infected areas.

Mosquito-borne Zika outbreaks have erupted across most of Latin America and the Caribbean in the past year.

There have already been several cases in the medical literature that suggest Zika can be spread through sex.