CDC Says Sex Can Spread Zika. Asks Infected Men To Use Condoms

With US's first case of Zika transmission being attributed to sex, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines asking men to abstain from sex with pregnant partners if there is risk of virus transmission.

According to CNN, the guidelines recommend that men exposed to Zika should use a condom during sex with pregnant partners or avoid any kind of insertive sexual contact. The virus can infect the fetus and cause babies to be born with small heads or microcephaly. The congenital defect is associated with neurological disabilities.

"Sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible, and is of particular concern during pregnancy. Current information about possible sexual transmission of Zika is based on reports of three cases," CDC said.

"Men who reside in or have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission who have a pregnant partner should abstain from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms during sex (i.e., vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, or oral) for the duration of the pregnancy."

Forbes reports findings of a research team from Brazil which claimed the virus is secreted while in the saliva and urine of an infected person. This has raised concerns if kissing can spread the virus. This mode of transmission is poorly understood as instances are yet to be reported.

The Zika outbreak in South and Central American has been declared an emergency by WHO. Brazil alone has reported over 4,000 cases of microcephaly, a spurt attributed to the virus. Though no cure exists for the illness, a few companies have announced vaccine candidates.