Zika Virus: WHO Voices Concern Over Report That Infection Can Be Transmitted 'Through Sex'

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its concern regarding a recent case in Dallas, Texas, where the Zika virus has been transmitted through sexual intercourse, Reuters reports.

According to the publication, WHO said that the possibility of the Zika virus being transmitted through sex needs to be investigated. The said Zika virus case in Texas was first reported on Tuesday. Also, WHO announced that the mosquito-borne disease can spread in other regions like Asia and Africa.

WHO's Europe Chief, Zsuzsanna Jakab, said on Tuesday, "Now is the time for countries to prepare themselves to reduce the risk to their populations."

"A number of travelers infected with Zika have entered Europe, but the disease has not been transmitted further, as the mosquito is still inactive. With the onset of spring and summer, the risk that Zika virus will spread increases," he added.

Meanwhile, regarding the possibility of the Zika virus being contracted through sex, WHO announced that the Dallas, Texas report is only the "second mooted case of sexual transmission." According to Chron, the first one happened in 2008 from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researcher, who traveled to Senegal and infected his wife. The publication further noted that the Zika virus in the researcher's semen was isolated during the Zika outbreak in French Polynesia.

WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl told Reuters, "We certainly understand the concern. This needs to be further investigated to understand the conditions and how often or likely sexual transmission is, and whether or not other body fluids are implicated."

Hartl further said, per USA Today, that considering that the Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the Aeges mosquito, one of WHO's main concern is to eradicate it as well as the places where they reproduce.

"Health authorities need to take action to destroy the mosquito and its breeding sites, and individuals can take actions to protect themselves personally," Hartl said as quoted by the publication.

Jakab also said that WHO's global response team has called for a meeting to discuss the sexual transmission of the Zika virus. The organization has also set up a team to investigate more about the matter.

The CDC has already implemented travel advisories to advise those, especially pregnant women who are traveling to Zika-infected locations, to take precautionary measures as Zika can lead to a birth defect called microcephaly. Precautionary measures include wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, applying repellents, staying indoors or in air-conditioned facilities and more.