CDC Suggests Protected Sex in New Zika Virus Guidelines

Canadian blood agencies earlier on Wednesday announced that anyone who had travelled to a Zika-risk area will be ineligible to give blood for three weeks upon their return.

A total of 51 cases have been reported in the US, all but one from travel.

This is the second case of the virus ever being recorded in the state, according to a statement. “Right now, one case is not enough to really justify saying that it’s a sexually transmitted disease”, said Gino Solla, Director of the Ector County Health Department.

On Friday, the CDC issued new recommendations to those who have traveled to Zika-prone areas: Use condoms during sex or don’t have sex.

The Health Ministry said in an email to The Associated Press, that while the case of the gunshot victim was not yet part of a scientific study, “the case is among multiple investigations under way into the behavior of the virus”.

“But that does not mean there is a capacity for transmission through saliva and urine”, he added.

The Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and subsequently spread to parts of Asia.

Gov. Rick Scott called for more vigilance Thursday, and he said his emergency health declaration for five counties was much like getting ready for a hurricane. “And we’re not surprised not to see cases of microcephaly in other countries because of the time frame between infection and delivery”.

Health officials have said that about 80 percent of those infected have mild symptoms or none at all. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue and include skin rashes, muscle pain, joint pain with possible swelling (notable of the small joints of the hands and feet), headaches, conjunctivitis and malaise. However, the mosquito-transmitted virus has been implicated in a sharp increase in the number of babies with a rare birth defect known as microcephaly.

“Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare professional before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip”.

In Geneva, spokeswoman Cecile Pouilly said the OHCHR was asking governments in Zika-affected countries in Latin and South America to repeal any policies that break with global standards and restrict access to sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion.

There is no vaccine or cure for Zika virus, with symptoms usually resolving within a week.

Video: Watch the news conference on the local Zika case with this story at mystatesman.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stressed that the Zika virus is still mainly spread by mosquitoes. That could change when the weather gets warmer.