Zika Virus Could Still Remain In The Semen Even After 6 Months

A recent study revealed that Zika virus can be sexually transmitted even after 6 months since diagnosis. This was after the initial reports that concluded that viral persistence of Zika virus is just 3 months.

The case study was done by public health scientists and physicians of Padova University Hospital, Italy. The patient was a nearly 40-year-old man who returned from Haiti to Italy who developed several symptoms of the viral infection. Later tests showed that the virus still remained in the semen sample of the infected patient even after 182 days of being cured of the disease. This posts a big threat to public health since the virus attacks pregnant women and known cause microcephaly and several birth defects to the unborn babies. The viral persistence or the maximum time a virus can stay at the human body is still unknown, this might suggest that the virus might still be capable of replicating in the prostate tract.

However it is not verified if the virus isolated in the semen is capable of a successful infection, it is advised that all infected patients including those who were already cured from infection, to refrain from having sexual intercourse to prevent the spread of the virus. Several public health organizations are reviewing the preventive measures and handling protocols for Zika infected patients.

Zika virus has been flashing in the headlines in our daily news in the past few months. The virus was initially known to be transmitted via mosquito vectors in tropical and subtropical regions. Several countries already initiated travel bans to countries with high prevalence of the infection. Travelers who are suspected to be infected by the virus are immediately placed into quarantine for treatment. According to the World health Organization, there is still no available vaccine for the virus and preventive measure is still the best way to control spread of infection.