Zika virus: Sexual transmission more common than thought, says WHO

Zee Media Bureau

Geneva: In an allarming development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that sexual transmission of the deadly Zika virus is more common than previously thought.

“Reports and investigations in several countries strongly suggest that sexual transmission of the virus is more common than previously assumed,” said Director-General Dr Margaret Chan.

After a meeting of its emergency committee on Tuesday, the UN health agency also said there was increasing evidence of links between Zika and various birth defects.

Who has also advised pregnant women not to travel to areas affected by the Zika virus outbreak.

The Zika virus disease is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito - the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

Most common symptoms of Zika virus include – mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, normally lasting for 2-7 days.

Currently, there is no specific vaccine or medication to treat or prevent the virus.