WHO Zika and sexual transmission Q&A Feb 25

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Zika and sexual transmission

Online Q&A
25 February 2016

Can Zika be transmitted through sex?

Possibly. Zika virus is primarily transmitted via the Aedes mosquito, but some cases of what appears to be transmission by sex have also been recorded.

How can people protect themselves?

All people who have been infected with Zika virus and their sexual partners – particularly pregnant women – should receive information about the risks of sexual transmission of Zika virus, contraceptive options and safer sexual practices. When feasible, they should have access to condoms and use them correctly and consistently.

Women who have had unprotected sex and suspect they may be infected with the virus should be given access to emergency contraceptive services and counselling if they do not wish to become pregnant.

Pregnant women’s sex partners living in or returning from areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur should practice safer sex or abstain (throughout the pregnancy).

Zika virus causes no symptoms in most people. Does this fact affect this guidance?

Yes, being asymptomatic is a complicating factor. Because most people who are infected with Zika virus show no symptoms, people living in areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur should consider adopting safer sexual practices or abstaining from sexual activity.

In addition, people returning from areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur should adopt safer sexual practices or consider abstinence for at least four weeks after their return.

Independently of the Zika virus outbreaks, WHO always recommends the use of safer sexual practices including correct and consistent use of condoms to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

Zika virus has been found in semen. Should semen be tested routinely for Zika virus?

WHO does not recommend routine semen testing to dectect Zika virus.

http://who.int/features/qa/zika-sexual-transmission/en/

Edited February 25, 2016 by niman