First Case of Sexually Transmitted Zika Virus Confirmed in US

The first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus in the United States has been confirmed by the CDC in Dallas County, Texas.

The patient was infected with the virus after having sexual contact with an infected individual who had recently returned from a country in which Zika virus is active.
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Until this time, all reports of the virus in the United States have been mosquito-transmitted cases in individuals recently returning from Latin American or the Caribbean.

Both the CDC and Dallas County Health and Human Services stressed that sexual partners of individuals who may be infected with Zika virus can protect themselves through the use of condoms to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Currently, no vaccine is available for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus and the incubation period of the infection is unknown. Undiagnosed individuals who experience Zika symptoms and who have recently traveled to areas in which the virus is active are encouraged to get plenty of rest and fluids, and to avoid the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin until dengue can be ruled out.

During the first week of illness, Zika virus is present in the blood and can be passed to uninfected mosquitos, who can then spread the virus to other individuals. Therefore, individuals with Zika virus symptoms—fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis—who have recently travelled to areas where the virus is active are further urged to seek medical attention and to avoid additional mosquito bites.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

DCHHS. DCHHS reports first Zika virus case in dallas county acquired through sexual transmission [press release]. February 2, 2016. http://www.redaccionmedica.com/contenido/images/zika%20servicio%20de%20salud%20de%20dallas.pdf.