Men, Mosquitos, Sex & Zika

I often hear from readers with questions about pregnancy and Zika. This series of questions from a dad explores several issues important to couples when they consider sex in a post Zika world. Q: I just returned from a trip to a tropical location. There are confirmed cases of Zika in the area and there were definitely mosquitos where I was staying. Sadly, I got a few bites – nothing crazy, but I did get a few. The CDC recommendation is to avoid sex or use condoms for six months post traveling in a Zika zone. My wife and I are not trying to have another child right now, but my wife is not on any form of birth control. What is your recommendation to us regarding sex to avoid any chance of my wife contracting Zika? Dr. Greene: I agree with the CDC guidance that men who have had Zika exposure, whether symptomatic or not, should wait at least 6 months before unprotected sex. Q: Is there any risk if she were to get it that it could be passed on to our baby via breast milk? Dr. Greene: Effective transmission of Zika through breast feeding has NOT been reported. Having said that, the Zika virus has been detected in breast milk – but it appears to be deactivated in the acid of the child’s stomach. ACOG recommends that women with known Zika continue to breast feed because It’s never been shown to cause Zika in babies, and When babies do get Zika from other means, it’s mild and no developmental complications have ever been reported in otherwise healthy kids ...
Source: Conversations with Dr Greene - Category: Child Development Authors: Tags: Dr. Greene's Blog Birth Defects Insect Bites & Stings Sex Source Type: blogs