US health authorities are investigating 14 new cases of the Zika virus that may have been transmitted sexually, suggesting a larger role than previously considered for the spread of the mosquito-borne virus.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says “several” of the 14 women are pregnant. Four other women have initially tested positive for the virus and are awaiting further results, and eight women are under investigation.
Warning that the Zika virus might be sexually transmitted more easily than was originally thought, officials are urging men who have traveled to the affected region to practice safe sex upon their return if their partners are pregnant. Providers should consult CDC’s guidelines for evaluation and testing of pregnant women.
Sexual contact was confirmed as the only risk factor for the women infected in virtually all of the suspected US cases: The woman’s male partner had recently returned from one of the infected countries.
Of the confirmed cases, 141 were attributable to the Zika virus.
World Health Organization (WHO) chief Margaret Chan is in Brazil to assess the Zika virus situation and response, a United Nations spokesman said.
The issue is among a long list of questions that remain about Zika, a once-obscure virus that has spread explosively throughout the Americas in recent months and is suspected of being linked to serious birth defects and a rare autoimmune disease.
The women are given an extensive questionnaire touching on everything from whether they used mosquito repellent during pregnancy to where they got their drinking water to how much the family makes.
According to ODH’s website, 80 percent of people infected with Zika virus will not show symptoms.
Since it first surfaced last spring, the virus has spread to over 30 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The ministry has warned people to keep updated on information about the Zika virus through official websites and advised citizens, especially pregnant women, to avoid travel in areas where Zika is active.
Hawaii has become the latest victim of the deadly Zika virus with Governor David Ige declaring a state of emergency. There is no cure or treatment for Zika infection.
Men with a pregnant sex partner who have traveled or live in areas where the virus is being locally transmitted should consistently and correctly use condoms or abstain from sex during the pregnancy.
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According to Bac, Zika can only be detected by a blood test, and even then it is very hard to detect in the first phase of the disease.
