Public health departments are investigating 14 instances of possible sexual transmission of Zika virus, including several cases involving pregnant women, in the U.S., according to a Tuesday statement from the CDC.
In two of the cases in question, Zika infections were confirmed in women whose only known risk factor for contraction was sexual contact with an infected male partner who recently traveled to a known risk area for the virus, according to the statement. Confirmatory lab results are still pending for four other cases of suspected sexual transmission, and for eight additional events, investigations are ongoing.
However, for all cases being investigated, males who traveled to known areas of infection reported the onset of Zika-like symptoms within two weeks before their female sexual partners began to display similar symptoms. There is no evidence thus far that women can transmit the virus to men, according to the CDC.
The first known sexually transmitted infection of Zika virus to take place in the U.S.occurred in Texas in early February.
The CDC has also issued a health advisory notice to reiterate the importance of adhering to the Feb. 5 guidelines for pregnant women and men with pregnant partners who have traveled to areas known to be infected with Zika. Those guidelines can be found here.