Zika Cases In The US Mostly Due To Sexual Contact, CDC Reveals

Zika Virus CDC WHO Margaret Chan brazil usa

By Arvin Matthew Paculaba , Parent Herald Feb 25, 05:00 am

Sexually transmitted Zika is turning out to be more than just an isolated case. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week that the virus has already infected more than 100 people in the US. None of which were from mosquito bites.

As such, the CDC has issued a health alert reminding Americans in Zika-stricken nations to take precautionary measures before heading back home. Health officials greatly recommend the use of barrier contraception such as condoms if couples are unable to abstain from sex, as per ABC News.

According to Straits Times, the CDC is currently monitoring 14 new cases of sexually transmitted Zika in the US. The outcome of the investigation has the potential of changing the world's perception of the dreaded virus.

"We were surprised that there was this number," said CDC deputy director Anne Schuchat. "If a number of them pan out, that's much more than I was expecting."

All of the new cases have one common denominator. Women residing in the US develop Zika-like symptoms after having sexual contact with male partners who recently came home from countries where the virus is widespread.

In other Zika-related news, World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan strongly believes the 2016 Rio Olympics will be a success amid the Zika crisis in Brazil. After a meeting with the country's health ministers, Chan assured everyone coming to the Summer Games that their health and security are the main priorities, NDTV reported.

She said all parties involved should continue to "make sure that people who come here either for the Games as a visitor, as a participant or athletes, will get the maximum protection they need. And I'm confident that the government can do it."

Contrary to popular belief, the Zika virus is a relatively mild infection. Dengue and Chikungunya are considered to be much worse. Symptoms include rashes, fatigue and fever. Zika is more dangerous in pregnant women as it has been linked to hundreds of birth defects in Brazil.