STD Resource
Zika
NCSD has received multiple requests for information about sexual transmission of the Zika virus. We understand that several state and local STD programs are not included in discussions about Zika response, or about sexual transmission of cases.
This page was developed to serve as a resource for state and local STD programs. We recommend that STD directors and staff initiate conversations with partners in family planning, maternal, child and adolescent health, vector borne, and/or communicable disease programs regarding Zika virus prevention to share valuable expertise in STDs, condom messaging, and other STD testing and transmission concerns during pregnancy, including congenital syphilis. NCSD is taking measures to do the same at the national level.
National and International Guidance on Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus
- CDC: Central website for Zika virus information
- CDC: Zika and Sexual Transmission
- CDC: Zika Virus Response Planning: Interim Guidance for District and School Administrators
- CDC: Interim Guidance for Prevention of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus – United States, 2016 (MMWR March 25, 2016:65 (5); 120-121)
- CDC: Interim Guidance for Zika Virus Testing of Urine — United States, 2016
- World Health Organization: Prevention of Potential Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus Interim Guidance; 18 February 2016 (WHO/ZIKV/MOC/1601)
- IUSTI STI Global Update: President’s Letter on Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus (March 16, 2016)
We need a renewed national discussion about the centrality of condoms in protecting American's sexual health.
Noteworthy Publications about Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus
- As New York Fights Zika Virus, Officials Turn Their Focus to Sex (New York Times, August 12, 2016)
- Zika Virus 6 Months Later (JAMA. Published online August 8, 2016. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.11941)
- Suspected Female-to-Male Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus — New York City, 2016 (MMWR July 15, 2016/65(Early Release))
- Male-to-Male Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus — Texas, January 2016 (MMWR April 15, 2016/65(14);372–374)
- Transmission of Zika Virus Through Sexual Contact with Travelers to Areas of Ongoing Transmission – Continental United States, 2016 (MMWR March 4, 2016;65(8):215–216.)
- Potential Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus (Emerging Infectious Diseases; Vol. 21, No. 2, February 2015)
- Detection of Zika Virus in Semen (Emerging Infectious Diseases May 2016; 22(5))
NCSD Materials Related to Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus
Condoms remain our most important tool in preventing STDs and this is fully evident in the CDC's updated travel guidance related to the Zika virus.
- A Statement from NCSD on a Confirmed Sexually Transmitted Case of Zika Virus in Texas
- Sample op-ed Highlighting Importance of STD Workforce in Responding to Emergencies
- Press Release: Ivan Rodriguez, Puerto Rican Baseball Star, to Raise Awareness of Threat of Zika Virus in Puerto Rico in Partnership with The National Coalition of STD Directors and the Maker of Trojan™ Brand Condoms