Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus More Common Than Previously Reported

The CDC has released a report of 14 possible cases of sexual transmission of Zika virus infection to women; these were reported to the CDC between February 6 to February 22. In all of these cases the only risk factor for disease was having sex with a symptomatic man who had recently traveled to a region with known Zika virus transmission. The authors note that the "sexual transmission of Zika virus is more common than previously reported." 

The full report can be found here. 

To date only male to female sexual transmission has been described. It is still unclear just how long Zika virus can persist in semen. The CDC continues to recommend abstinence or condom use for men residing in or who have traveled to areas with Zika virus transmission; what is still unclear is for how long these measures are necessary to prevent Zika virus transmission.