Transmission of Zika virus is primarily by an infected mosquito; however, researchers say new information suggests sexual transmission of the virus is more common than previously assumed.
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South Korea’s disease control agency said Tuesday that it will take comprehensive measures to prevent the spread of the Zika virus after the first case of the mosquito-borne virus was detected.
Officials say the two new ones are travel related, as was the first case, and were a result of mosquito bites during travel to countries were Zika is widespread.
“Recently in Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome, which coincided with Zika virus infections in the general public, as well as an increase in babies born with microcephaly in northeast Brazil”.
The question remains: What is the right amount of time we can be confident that there is little to no risk of microcephaly caused by Zika in an unborn child?
Unborn babies are at the most risk of harm as Zika has been linked to microcephaly, a condition that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads.
There have been some cases of the virus being transmitted sexually to people who have not visited affected countries, but this seems very rare.
The Zika virus can be spread by a man to his sex partners, according to the U.S. CDC. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breast-feeding women.
“Puerto Rico is on the frontline of the battle against Zika”, said Frieden, who had just returned from the island.
Brazil typically reports 150 cases of microcephaly per year.
The Zika virus is found in tropical locales with large mosquito populations. Others may have mild fevers, rashes, joint and muscle pains or headaches that last from several days to a week, but “hospitalization is uncommon”. It transmits dengue and chikungunya viruses and has also been found infected in nature with: West Nile, Eastern equine encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis.
Weekly trash removal, air conditioning and screened windows in the USA could help prevent the Zika virus from rapidly spreading.
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The person may still be infectious to mosquitoes and has been advised to stay indoors and protected from mosquitoes, the Department of Health said. Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas for business or family emergencies should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.
