Reseachers evaluated samples from 150 participants, including 55 men, in whom they detected the Zika virus — ZIKV RNA. They collected serum, urine, saliva, semen and vaginal secretions weekly for the first month and then at two, four and six months. They calculated “time until the loss” of Zika virus detection in each body fluid.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox
The time until the loss of virus detection was:
Serum
Median: 14 days
95th percentile: 54 days
Urine
Median: 8 days
95th percentile: 39 days
Semen
Median: 34 days
95th percentile: 81 days
Few participants had detectable Zika virus in saliva or vaginal secretions.
“The prolonged time until ZIKV RNA clearance in serum in this study may have implications for the diagnosis and prevention of ZIKV infection,” the study authors concluded.
More articles on healthcare quality:
How far do germs travel after a sneeze? It’s farther than you think
Bedside hand hygiene improves when extra healthcare workers are present, study shows
CDC updates vaccine guidelines for adults: 4 things to know
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit