3. Zika found to remain in sperm for record six months
Doctors at the Spallanzani Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome said it pointed to the possibility that the virus was reproducing itself in the male genital tract.
The infection is suspected of leading to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. The outbreak was declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organisation in February. The doctors’ report suggests the potential for the sexual transmission of the virus may be greater than previously thought. Current guidelines recommend infected patients should use condoms or abstain from sex for at least six months after the onset of symptoms. The doctors said in light of this new evidence an extension of this recommendation might be advised, as well as the continued testing of semen after six months. Christian Lindmeier from the WHO told the BBC the report would be looked at.
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