Zika Virus Transmittable Through Sex; Unclear Risk From Saliva, Urine, CDC Reveals

The first case of Zika virus contracted in the continental U.S. was reported earlier this week, not through mosquito contact, but through sexual contact. After returning to Texas from Venezuela, an infected person apparently transmitted Zika to a partner through sex. The CDC has since issued recommendations for preventing sexual transmission, whether or not pregnancy is involved. Meanwhile, a research team in Brazil has announced that it has detected active Zika virus in both saliva and urine. It’s unclear whether the disease is actually contagious through these routes, but some experts have suggested that pregnant women in affected regions avoid kissing people other than their partners. Whether this is actually necessary remains to be seen.