With the first case of female-to-male sexual transmission of Zika reported, many people wonder what their risk is, if any, of contracting the virus. Here's what you need to know.
What is Zika?
Zika is a virus that's spread primarily by the bite of a particular species of mosquito. Women, infected by the disease during their pregnancy, can spread it to their fetus, and the infection has been linked to birth defects, such as small heads and brain damage.
What is its origin?
The virus was first discovered in Uganda's Zika forest in 1947, but was at first only proven to infect monkeys. Very few cases occurred until 2007, when a large outbreak was reported on Yap Island in Micronesia.
In what locations is the disease is most prominent?
Outbreaks have occurred in many countries, particularly those in Central and South America, with large mosquito populations. Brazil is considered to be at the epicenter of the virus.
How does it affect Americans?
Some Americans have contracted the Zika virus after traveling to other countries. Others have contracted the disease after having sex with someone who traveled abroad and became infected with the disease. There have been no reports of local mosquito-borne Zika cases in the U.S. thus far.
The disease may increase as imported cases cause the virus to spread locally in some areas. The most likely scenario is that a traveler contracts the disease in another country, returns to the U.S., and is bitten by a mosquito that then can spread the disease.
The CDC recommends that Americans who travel to Brazil take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Pregnant women are cautioned against traveling to areas of Brazil with elevations below 6,500 feet. They're also advised to use condoms or abstain from sex during pregnancy if their male partner has lived in or traveled to Brazil.
How does it affect Atlantans?
Atlantans are affected as other Americans are. However, with its warm weather and high humidity, Atlanta, like many other parts of the South, tends to have a larger mosquito population than other climates. The CDC, which is located in Atlanta, has played an active role in by developing tests to diagnose Zika, monitoring and reporting cases of the virus and providing guidance to travelers and areas affected.
