Sex and the Zika Virus
The World Health Organization (WHO) called the Zika virus a “global health emergency”. The disease is currently present in South, Central, and North America, and it is primarily transmitted through mosquito bite. This means that it is generally possible to avoid Zika infection by not traveling to areas where the Zika virus is present, and by taking precautions against mosquitoes. At least… it was. On February 2, 2016 public health officials in Dallas, TX reported a case of Zika virus passed on through human sexual activity.
Should you be worried about Zika virus? The experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that Zika isn’t normally that bad. Only about 1 in 4 or 5 people with Zika show any symptoms. Any Zika illness is usually mild, and symptoms only last from several days to a week. So, no cause for panic, right?
Sexual transmission adds a new wrinkle. Neither the CDC nor the WHO have confirmed a link between Zika virus and birth defects, but the CDC stated in a published report that, “The increased occurrence of microcephaly associated with cerebral damage characteristically seen in congenital infections in Zika virus-affected areas is suggestive of a possible relationship.” They also do not know the incubation period for the Zika virus; it is believed to be “a few days to a week”, and Zika virus is present in your blood for a week after infection. Hopefully, we don’t need to point out the link between sexual activity and pregnancy.
Security Executives cannot give medical advice, but let’s use a little common sense here. If you travel to areas where the Zika virus is present, don’t have sex. If you absolutely cannot refrain from sexual activity then use protection. After you get home, don’t have sex for a couple of weeks. Again, we aren’t doctors, but we’re pretty sure you’ll survive the wait. If you are planning on having a child then take a little time and schedule your trips abroad and your activity when you return. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and doubly so in this case. There is no cure for the Zika virus.
Here are some other publications from your professionals at Security Executives:
8 Things You Should Know About Zika
Invasion of the Bloodsucking Parasites
Reefer Madness, an Uncharted Path
Full Body Scanning — A Search Between Privacy and Security
Why Are Americans Bringing Guns to the Airport?
How to Survive in a World Gone Mad
Bomb Voyage, What Does it Mean to You?
So You Really Want to Join ISIS?
