The Zika virus is an arbovirus that has recently drawn considerable attention from the global community. Initially discovered back in 1947 in Uganda, the virus seemed kind of obscure until it wreaked havoc in Brazil in 2015. The rapid spread and association with birth defects, notably microcephaly, led the way to the 2016 declaration of the world health emergency related to Zika by the World Health Organization. But whereas predominately transmitted via the bite of mosquitoes, the Zika virus has also been said to be transmitted sexually. Thus, the suspicion that the disease can be sexually transmitted has evolved. In what follows, we will consider the evidence and arguments for and against Zika’s sexual transmission.
Evidence for Sexual Transmission
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. However, there have been several reported cases where the virus has been potentially transmitted through sexual contact. In 2008, a scientist who was studying the Zika virus in Senegal became infected after being bitten by a mosquito. Upon returning to the United States, he engaged in sexual intercourse with his wife, who had not traveled to the affected areas. She subsequently developed symptoms of Zika, leading to the belief that the virus was transmitted through sexual contact (1).
Similarly, in 2013, a researcher from Colorado contracted the virus while working in Senegal and transmitted it to his wife upon his return. The virus was detected in both the researcher’s semen and his wife’s vaginal secretions (2). These cases provide strong evidence for the sexual transmission of the Zika virus.
Furthermore, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2016 reported the presence of Zika virus in the semen of a man six weeks after he had recovered from the infection (3). This indicates that the virus can persist in the reproductive organs and potentially be transmitted through sexual activity.
Arguments Against Sexual Transmission
Despite these reported cases and evidence, there are also arguments against the sexual transmission of the Zika virus.
Low Quantities of the Virus in Bodily Fluids:
One of the primary arguments against sexual transmission of the Zika virus is the low detection rate of the virus in bodily fluids. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2016 found that only 3% of semen samples from infected men contained detectable levels of the virus (4). This low detection rate suggests that the likelihood of sexual transmission may be minimal. Furthermore, the CDC states that the virus has not been detected in bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, or breast milk, which are commonly associated with the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (1). This evidence raises questions about the possibility of sexual transmission of the Zika virus.
Uncertainty of the Virus’s Ability to Survive and Infect:
Another argument against sexual transmission of the Zika virus is the uncertainty surrounding the virus’s ability to survive and infect through sexual contact. It is known that the Zika virus cannot survive outside the human body for long periods, and the acidic environment of the vagina may not be conducive for the virus to survive and cause infection (2). Additionally, the virus’s fragility and susceptibility to heat and ultraviolet light make it unlikely for the virus to survive the journey from the male reproductive system to the female reproductive system (3). These factors raise doubts about the possibility of sexual transmission and suggest that it is not a significant mode of transmission for the Zika virus.
Discussion
The evidence for and against the sexual transmission of the Zika virus presents a complex and contentious issue. While there have been reported cases of potential sexual transmission, the evidence is not conclusive. It is possible that the virus may be present in the semen of infected men, but the level of virus may not be high enough to cause infection. Additionally, the virus may not survive the journey from the male to the female reproductive system.
However, the potential risk of sexual transmission of the Zika virus cannot be ignored. The presence of the virus in semen even weeks after recovery from the infection raises concerns about the possibility of transmission through sexual activity. Furthermore, the potential for the virus to persist in the reproductive organs and cause long-term health consequences, such as birth defects, cannot be overlooked.
Conclusion
Although for the moment, there is no clear evidence to prove that the Zika virus sexually transmits, it could not be fully ruled out. Further studies will establish any possible risks and modes of transmission of the Zika virus. Nevertheless, safe sex and measures for preventing this infection—for that matter—are recommended just like the use of condoms. It’s equally essential that health experts keep confidential and raise awareness among the public about the potential risks and ways to protect itself against this virus. On a global level, the control measures for the Zika virus should be based on prevention of mosquito bites and containment of its spread via its primary mode of transmission.
