Zika can stay in semen for 6 months, study finds

In a case study published in Eurosurveillance this month, researchers found Zika virus persisted in a man’s semen for six months after symptom onset — twice as long as in other reported cases, according to the BBC.

Advertisement

The CDC’s current guidelines advise men to wait six months after their Zika symptoms appeared before having unprotected sex with a partner to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne virus, but these new findings could spur an extension.

“At the light of this new evidence on long-term [Zika virus] RNA persistence in semen, an extension of this interval might be considered,” the study’s authors wrote.

The World Health Organization plans to look at the study, according to the BBC report.

The CDC started conducting its own study on Zika and semen in July to find how long the virus can stay in semen.

As of Aug. 10, there have been 22 sexually transmitted Zika infections in the U.S.

More articles on Zika:
HHS, Hologic sign $1.4M agreement to further Zika blood test development
Nearly 2,000 Zika cases in the states; 16 babies born with related birth defects
HHS diverts $81M to fund Zika vaccine research

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

Advertisement

Next Up in Clinical Leadership & Infection Control

Advertisement

Comments are closed.