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
Best of Luck on Your New Adventure
Best of Luck, Love Your Family We’re a family. And just like every family, we go through triumph and tragedy together – sometimes both in the same day. Today is one of those days as we wish someone we love best of luck on their new adventure. Omar Marquez, LPN, CCRC, one of our Clinical Research Coordinators,…
Read More
Wendy Reflects on Her 20 Amazing Research Years at OIC
“Incredible progress” – Wendy reflects on how much has changed in her 20 years of amazing research at OIC but adds “I’m staying until we find a cure for HIV.” Every field sees change over time, but not as much as the field of HIV. Twenty years ago there were few medications with many side effects.…
Read More
Everything You Need To Know for Free Leaders of Color Training
Are you a person of color living with HIV and want to make a difference? Do you want to be a part of ending HIV in Orlando? Are ready to serve as a leader? Then this free leaders of color training is for you! Where: Heart of Florida United Way, 1940 Traylor Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804 When: July…
Read More
Massive 500 Percent Increase in Prep Use; New Research
There’s been a massive 500 percent increase in PrEP. But is that enough to end HIV? New research shows a massive 500 percent increase in PrEP use to prevent HIV. During 2014 to 2017, several key aspects of HIV prevention dramatically increased. Which is great news! But these improvements were not across all groups. Moreover, only about one third…
Read More
Why Preventive Medical Care Matters to You
We only have one life! So live your happiest, healthiest life through prevention! What is preventive medical care? Preventive medical care is any medical service that will help prevent an emergency or chronic condition. “I’m active and feel great – I don’t need a doctor!” That’s the entire purpose! To keep you that way! It promotes an…
Read More
How to Easily Get Medically Prepared for a Hurricane
Getting medically prepared for a hurricane is easier than you think. But it could be even more important than your typical hurricane prep routine. Hurricanes are erratic, powerful and destructive forces of nature. In addition, they can rapidly grow stronger. Or even decrease in strength but stall bringing wind and rain for extended periods of…
Read More
OIC COVID-19 Response
During this most difficult time, we at OIC strive to continue to take the best care of you and all the health needs of our patients. Due to the severity of the situation involving the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have had to implement many (temporary) changes in the best interest and the safety of both our…
Read More
From SOCIAL to PHYSICAL Distance
SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets produced from an infected person, even if that person does not know he/she is already infected. Most transmissions occur during very close contact with an infected person or when an infected person coughs or sneezes around you. A six-feet parameter…
Read More
COVID-19 Basic Immune Response
Just for clarification: SARS-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. The current COVID-19 PCR test measures viral RNA. It does not measure our immune response to the virus. Viral RNA is only found in blood with active viral infection (or for a short period of time after recovery). In fact, in theory, we should get…
Read More
Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV – Updated: March 20, 2020
This interim guidance reviews special considerations for persons with HIV and their health care providers in the United States regarding COVID-19. Information and data on COVID-19 are rapidly evolving. This guidance includes general information to consider. Clinicians should refer to updated sources for more specific recommendations regarding COVID-19. Guidance for all Persons with HIV In…
Read More