Now That Zika Virus Was Sexually Transmitted, Is Malaysia Ready IF There’s An Outbreak?
Just one day after the World Health Organisation deemed the Zika virus as an international health emergency, a case of the virus infection transmitted by sex, rather than a mosquito bite, was discovered in Texas.
Cover image via The Independent
A case of Zika virus infection transmitted through sexual intercourse, rather than a mosquito bite, was discovered in Texas, the New York Times reported, adding that it's "a development" that is "sure to complicate plans to contain a global epidemic"
The patient, their condition and address have not been identified
Image via BBC
However, it's not the first known case of sexual transmission
Moreover, as the Independent reports, despite the transmission in Texas, Zika virus is still not a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
According to Jonathan Ball, Professor of Molecular Virology, University of Nottingham, it is not unusual for viruses to be passed on via rare transmission routes. He, however, stressed that men who have potentially exposed should consider taking precautions.
Close home, the Malaysian government has taken preparatory measures against the possible outbreak of Zika virus in the country, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
Image via Reuters
Malaysians, especially pregnant women, have been told not to travel to the countries where Zika virus cases have been reported
The deadly Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, also known as the Asian tiger mosquitoes. They are found all over the world except Canada and Chile. However, now that Malaysians have been warned about its spread, we are going to look at some of the most vital, and vexing, questions about Zika:
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