The news was reported on August 26 by the United States Medicines Agency. The modes of transmission and the extent of Zika, a virus transmitted by the bite of the tiger mosquito (type Aedes aegypti), are at the heart of many questions and uncertainties.
Ensure the availability of uncontaminated blood reserves
This is because scientists do not know exactly how long the virus remains active in the blood and body fluids (semen, saliva, urine). It should also be remembered that four out of five patients do not develop any of the symptoms of Zika: flu-like symptoms, skin rashes, joint and muscle pain …
The purpose of testing all donated blood is to ensure that a supply of uncontaminated blood remains available for those who may need a transfusion. In addition, recently, a blood bag donated in Florida carried Zika. So far, only blood donations from areas most affected by the virus had to be tested. Today all US states are concerned.
Zika would stay active six months in semen
Several cases of sexual transmission have been identified and a recent study has shown that the virus can remain six months in semenafter the onset of infection. Researchers in charge of the research recommended testing donated sperm.
Also, the virus would be able to duplicate in the vagina for four to five days, according to work published on Aug. 25.
On the other hand, if a woman is infected with Zika, she may eventually give birth to a child with a brain defect, the microcephaly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has registered 53 countries affected by Zika since 2015. The most affected countries: South America and in particular, Brazil.
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