The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention US confirmed this week that zika disease can be transmitted through contact with infected both heterosexual and homosexual semen.
They came to this conclusion after studying the case of a man (Patient A) who traveled to Venezuela and zika developed symptoms two days after returning to Dallas (Texas). After feeling better, patient A had unprotected sex with your partner, another man named by US state agency as patient B.
After this contact, the patient developed symptoms typical B Disease zika. However, this second man did not visit any area affected by the zika, nor was exposed to Aedes aegypti mosquito, carrier of the virus.
The case was discussed Friday by Dr. Elmer Huerta on the radio program always at home. "It is the first case of zika transmitted in a homosexual relationship. This is important, it is the first time in humanity we are learning every day about a global pandemic, because this is going to become a very serious problem in the world ".
Zika: learning about a new disease
Huerta recalled the information that has been known about this tropical disease in recent months. "First we learned that the zika was transmitted by the mosquito, so a campaign against the Aedes began. Later we learned that is spread by blood transfusion. Finally we learned that the disease can be transmitted through sexual contact: First heterosexual and homosexual then. "
In the radio program Dr. Huerta reminded the audience how you can identify a person suffering from this disease. "The zika is a disease that closely resembles Dengue starts with headaches, body and a slight fever. But there are two features that distinguish it: red-eye without pus, and a rash very similar to measles in the body. "
Also, Huerta reported that this week has published the first article that proves beyond doubt that the virus causes congenital malformations zika brain in unborn children of pregnant women who get this disease. What is not yet known, limits Huerta, it is the degree to which this occurs. In other words, even many 100 pregnant women develop congenital malformations in their children is not known.
The Peruvian physician noted that 80% of people who become infected do not develop symptoms. However, at 1 and 2% of cases patients will have the paralysis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. "This means that the person is going to cripple from the foot to the upper body," he added.
Peru, a country "lucky"
When asked about the reason to explain the low diffusion of zika in the country, Dr. Elmer Huerta explained a theory that could explain the lack of native zika cases in the country. "I think there is a biological factor that is preventing the zika advance. There seems to be competition virus, which is an important concept. The mosquito has a very complex organism. It seems that when they enter two viruses (dengue and zika, for example), wins one of the two. For some unknown reason in Peru wins dengue virus and not the zika "concluded the renowned doctor.
Discuss this article!