In an article on CNN, Kelly McBride Folkers, Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, and Lee Igel discuss the lack of focus on preventing sexually transmitted Zika virus infections.
The article authors claim while the disease is primarily transmitted via infected mosquitoes, sexually transmitted Zika virus infections also pose a significant threat. The CDC currently only requires Zika testing for pregnant women, people who are showing virus symptoms and/or those who have had intercourse with a person who may have been exposed to Zika.
However, "it seems like more than just an oversight that the CDC is not yet recommending that sexually active men seek out testing in areas where active Zika transmission is confirmed," note the authors in the article. They argue providers should offer Zika testing along with other tests typically offered for sexually transmitted infections — especially given the fact that currently 24 sexually transmitted Zika cases have been reported in the United States and research shows Zika can persist in a man's semen for six months after symptom onset.
Ultimately, a standard Zika policy is necessary to stem the current outbreak and treating it like an STD should be part of the policy, according to the authors.
"Battling mosquitoes is only part of the response that Zika demands," the article authors write.
Ms. McBride Folkers is a research associate at the medical ethic division at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Caplan is the Drs. William F and Virginia Connolly Mitty professor and founding head of bioethics division at NYU Langone Medical Center, while Mr. Igel is a clinical associate professor at the NYU Tisch Institute and an associate of the medical ethics division.