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CDC extends timeline for protection against Zika sexual transmission
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The CDC updated its guidance and now suggests that asymptomatic men should wait at least 6 months since their last possible Zika virus exposure before trying to conceive a child or having unprotected sex.
Previously, such men were advised to wait at least 8 weeks since their last exposure in each situation. The revised guidance is based on what the CDC called “new though limited data,” including reports of Zika RNA being detected in semen for extended periods of time, including up to 188 days after symptom onset in one case.
Zika has been detected in cultures from semen up to 69 days after the onset of symptoms — a better method of determining infectious virus, according to the CDC — and also has been found to persist in serum and whole blood, the agency said.
The CDC defines “possible” Zika exposure as anyone who has visited or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission, or who has had condomless sex with such a person. Symptoms of Zika infection, which often are mild or nonexistent, include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis.
Zika can be sexually transmitted by both men and women through anal and vaginal sex — possibly even fellatio — and recent reports suggest men can transmit it without the appearance of symptoms.
Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects such as microcephaly, although there have been no published reports of adverse pregnancy outcomes after periconceptional infection, the CDC said.
The agency’s recommendations for women who are trying to conceive did not change: Women with possible Zika exposure who do not live in an area with active Zika transmission should wait at least 8 weeks since their last exposure before attempting to conceive.
Aedes aegypti mosquito
Source: CDC
Women who live in active Zika areas who want to become pregnant in the near future are advised to speak with their physicians.
Regardless of whether or not they are trying to conceive, couples with possible exposure to Zika who wish to prevent sexual transmission of the virus should use condoms, the CDC said.
The CDC also recommends that people get tested for Zika infection if they have possible exposure and symptoms. Nonpregnant women with possible exposure but no symptoms should not be tested even if they are planning to become pregnant because the test is of “uncertain value” to them, the CDC said. – by Gerard Gallagher
Reference:
Petersen EE, et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2016;doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6539e1.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.