The First Case Of Sexually Transmitted Zika Virus Has Been Found In The United States

Just one day removed from the World Health Organization declaring the Zika virus an international emergency on Monday, health officials in Dallas have confirmed a case of the virus being contracted via sexual intercourse.

In other words, there is, just like any other STD, an inherent risk of contracting the mosquito-carried virus if you’re having unprotected sex.

From Fox News 4:

Dallas County health officials have confirmed a case of Zika virus acquired through sexual transmission.

The patient reportedly had sexual contact with another infected individual who recently returned from a country where the Zika virus is present, according to a release from Dallas County Health and Human Services.

“Now that we know Zika virus can be transmitted through sex, this increases our awareness campaign in educating the public about protecting themselves and others,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director. “Next to abstinence, condoms are the best prevention method against any sexually-transmitted infections.”

Now, obviously, only one case has be reported of the virus’ transmission via sex, but this certainly raises red flags for health officials worldwide, especially in countries that have been ravaged by the virus where safe sex practices are all but nonexistent.

While Zika is not necessarily a deadly virus in and of itself, the links between the virus and birth defects seen in newborns throughout Brazil have been rampant with cases of microcephaly (having an abnormally small head) becoming more common in infants of mothers previously infected by the bug.

The major takeaway here? Wrap it before you tap it, bros.

[via Fox News 4]