As time progresses we see there’s more to learn about the Zika virus and how critical it is to be aware.
There’s a constant worry of the disease spreading in places other than where it is already an endemic. In recent news, the first case of female to male sexual transmission of the Zika virus was reported in New York City, increasing these concerns. The male patient in his 20s contracted the virus after having unprotected sex with his partner. Shortly after the individual showed symptoms of the virus including a rash, conjunctivitis and joint pain.
Previously, it was thought the virus was spread through sexual contact from male to female or male to male. Now those who could be at risk is increasing as health care officials and providers look for a way to limit the increased viral outbreak.
According to The New York Times:
“Much about how the virus works is a mystery, and it remains challenging to detect; 80 percent of those infected show no symptoms. For those who do get sick, the illness is often mild, and there is no treatment.
But Zika can pose a dire risk to pregnant women. It targets developing nerve cells in fetuses and can lead to a birth defect called microcephaly, in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and brain damage. It may also cause developmental problems after birth.
Zika is primarily transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, which thrives in warm, tropical climates. But 11 countries have documented cases of sexual transmission from a man to a woman. Among the 1,130 people who have received a Zika diagnosis in the continental United States, including 320 pregnant women, the C.D.C. has reported 15 cases of sexual transmission.”
As researchers continue to investigate the virus there is information provided on the CDC website to ensure individuals take measures to reduce the transmission of the Zika virus. The city also has plans to have an educational campaign to promote awareness of the virus.
