CDC Confirms That The Zika Virus Can Be Sexually Transmitted
It was originally believed that the Zika virus could only be transmitted from mosquito to human, however a recent report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the Zika virus was sexually transmitted from someone who recently visited Venezuela. The report comes out of Dallas, Texas, making it the first case of the virus being locally acquired in the United States.
The virus can live in the blood for about a week, although the CDC is not yet sure how long it would remain in semen.
What is the Zika Virus?
The Zika virus gets its name from its origins, the Zika forest in Uganda. It is a mosquito-transmitted infection related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile virus. While it is common in Africa and Asia, it recently spread to the Western Hemisphere.
For most, the virus has no apparent symptoms or long-term effects. Only one in five people infected with the Zika virus develop symptoms, which can include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Red eyes.
Those infected usually do not have to be hospitalized.
The concern comes for pregnant women who develop a temporary form of paralysis after exposure to the Zika virus. This temporary paralysis can result in babies being born with abnormally small heads, a neurological condition known as microcephaly.
What to Do If You Think you May Have the Zika Virus
While the CDC continues to study the sexual transmission of the Zika virus, they suggest; “Sexual partners can protect each other by using condoms to prevent spreading sexually transmitted infections. People who have Zika virus infection can protect others by preventing additional mosquito bites.”
If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, you should consult with your doctor.
On January 19, the CDC issued interim guidelines for women in that situation and for their doctors. The guidelines are complex — and may change.
If you have questions or concerns and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our board certified specialists call (407) 647-3960 or click here to request an appointment.
More Articles
Dr. DeJesus Recognized by Orlando Magazine
For the 5th consecutive year, Dr. DeJesus has been recognized by his peers in Orlando Magazine for his work as medical director at Orlando Immunology Center. Dr. DeJesus is a graduate from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine training and Infectious Disease fellowship at the Medical College of…
Read More
Join OIC at the 2015 AIDS Walk Orlando
Orlando Immunology Center is pleased to announce that we will again be sponsoring a team at this year’s 2015 AIDS Walk Orlando. If you are interested in joining our team or donating to this worthwhile cause, please let us know. Saturday, March 28, 2015 In Florida, 15% of all new HIV infections reported among females…
Read More
OIC Wins Wave Award for Favorite Local Healthcare Professional
The Orlando Immunology Center (OIC) announced today they have received the Central Florida/Orlando 2015 Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence (WAVE) Award for favorite local healthcare professional. “We see this as a huge honor and will continue to do everything in our power to help patients from all walks of life be healthy, happy and…
Read More
“Let’s Talk About PrEP” Video Goes ‘Viral’
The fun and educational video about HIV prevention goes viral in the best possible way Howard Brown Health is one of the largest LGBTQ health organizations in the country and they just released this new song and music video, “Let’s Talk About PrEP,” to continue raising the visibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the fight…
Read More
World Suicide Prevention Day Orlando
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). WHO has been co-sponsor of the day. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. If you, or someone you love, needs immediate assistance, please call 911. …
Read More
Dr. Edwin DeJesus on Best Doctors List by Orlando Magazine
Dr. DeJesus was recently voted “Best Doctors 2018” by Orlando Magazine for the 8th consecutive year! The Best Doctors in America® List includes the nation’s most respected specialists and outstanding primary care physicians in the nation. These are the doctors that other doctors recognize as the best doctors in their fields. They cannot pay a fee and are…
Read More
Central Florida HIV Planning Council’s First Open House
Come to Central Florida HIV Planning Council‘s first Open House! Everyone is welcome and a light lunch will be served. The event is at Heart of Florida United Way on Tuesday, January 15th, 2019 from 11am to 1pm. The Central Florida HIV Planning Council (CFHPC) is a community planning body. It’s responsible for HIV prevention and care for Central Florida’s…
Read More
OIC Highlighted on 2018 Best Doctors List
OIC Highlighted on 2018 “Best Doctors List” in Orlando Magazine for the 8th consecutive year! The Best Doctors in America® List includes the nation’s most respected specialists and outstanding primary care physicians in the nation. These are the doctors that other doctors recognize as the best doctors in their fields. It is a list which is truly unbiased…
Read More
5 Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes to Inspire Better Healthcare
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. teachings transcend civil rights. He was a an extraordinary leader. His speeches and writings are some of the most impactful ever written. Here are 5 Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes to inspire better healthcare. We hope they empower you to live your best life and create healthy change in your community.…
Read More
Planning Council-Ending HIV Together
The Central Florida HIV Planning Council business meeting is tonight January 30th, 2019. Where: Heart of Florida United Way, 1940 Traylor Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804 When: January 30th, 2019 Time: 5:30pm – 6pm light food, 6pm-8pm Business Meeting Everyone is welcome to join! It’s truly a community collaboration of people ending HIV together! You don’t need a medical degree, you…
Read More
Continuing the NBHAAD Conversation
We are continuing the NBHAAD conversation and following up on our 2018 blockbuster Facebook Live Event. Last year for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) we assembled powerhouses in HIV education, prevention, medical care and advocacy to discuss the most important issues facing the community. This year we are continuing the NBHAAD conversation because the…
Read More
Stay Healthy All Year – NBHAAD Health Resource Guide
Stay Healthy All Year with this NBHAAD Health Resource Guide. It’s Orlando’s ultimate 2019 NBHAAD health resource round up. On February 7th we marked National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) but one day is not enough for this important issue. So we created this quick reference guide with HIV facts, what you can do plus tons…
Read More
Free Condom Locations in Orlando – International Condom Day 2019
These condoms are free because the protection they provide is priceless. Check out all the free condom locations in Orlando for International Condom Day (ICD) 2019! AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) started ICD February 13, 2009. It’s an entire day to celebrate sex with condoms! You can greatly reduce the risk of STIs including HIV, HPV…
Read More