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CDC’s Zika guidelines now urge condom use; health agencies increase prevention efforts
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The CDC recently updated its Zika guidance for pregnant women advising them to practice abstinence or use condoms during sexual contact with a partner who is living or traveled to an area with Zika virus activity.
The guidelines were updated 1 day after the CDC confirmed that an individual in Texas acquired Zika virus through sexual transmission. Dallas County Health and Human Services reported that the virus was spread by an individual who recently returned from a country with Zika virus activity.
“Until we know more, if your male sexual partner has traveled to or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission, you should abstain from sex or use condoms the right way every time you have vaginal, anal, and oral sex for the duration of the pregnancy,” the guidance states.
Two case studies published in 2011 and 2013 provide further evidence that Zika virus can be spread through sexual contact.
Zika virus in blood supplies
The American Red Cross and the National Health Service in the United Kingdom also modified their guidelines as a precautionary measure to prevent Zika transmission in blood donations. The organizations are implementing a 28-day deferral for blood donors who have traveled to areas with Zika activity. In addition, the Red Cross is urging donors to immediately notify the organization if they develop Zika virus infection symptoms within 14 days of donation so the product can be quarantined.
“The Red Cross and other U.S. blood collection agencies continue to work with the FDA, CDC and state health departments to track Zika and to update donor eligibility criteria as necessary,” Susan L. Stramer, PhD, vice president of scientific affairs at the American Red Cross, said in a press release.
Susan L. Stramer
During a CDC telebriefing in January, Anne Schuchat, MD, principal deputy director of the CDC, said Zika virus lives in the bloodstream for a brief period — about 1 week — but the risk for transmission in blood supplies “is of great interest.”
Public health emergencies declared in four Florida counties
Although there have been no reports of Zika virus infections contracted by a mosquito in the United States, more than three dozen cases have been identified in returning travelers, including several recent cases in Florida.
To reduce the risk for Zika transmission from one of the infected travelers to a local mosquito, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed an executive order on Feb. 3 that directs State Surgeon General John H. Armstrong, MD, FACS, to declare public health emergencies in counties where the travelers reside, including Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee and Santa Rosa.
“Although Florida’s current nine Zika cases were travel-related, we have to ensure Florida is prepared and stays ahead of the spread of Zika virus,” Scott said in a statement. “Our department of health will continue to be in constant communication with all county health offices, hospitals and the CDC. We know that we must be prepared for the worst even as we hope for the best.”
Armstrong has been instructed to “take any action necessary to protect public health” and the commissioner of agriculture has been authorized to issue a “mosquito declaration” to reduce mosquito populations in the counties.
References:
Foy BD, et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2011;doi:10.3201/eid1705.101939.
Musso D, et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2015;doi:10.3201/eid2102.141363.
Disclosure: Infectious Disease News was unable to obtain relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication.