Zika Update: First Confirmed Sexual Transmission In US Came From Unprotected Sex

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the first case of sexually transmitted Zika Virus in the U.S.

According to the report of CDC, the first reported case of sexual transmission of Zika virus occurred in Dallas, Texas. For their protection, CDC dubbed both the patients as Patient A and Patient B. Patient A and B has been a together for 10 years.

After two days of his return to Dallas from his visit to Venezuela, Patient A reported experiencing a fever, pink eye and a rash in his upper body and face. Within three days, Patient A recovered but his partner, Patient B, suddenly developed similar symptoms -- pink eye, fever and rash.

Both patients admitted that they had anal sex without using condoms one day before Patient A developed any symptoms and one day after Patient A recovered. Both patients claim that they are in a monogamous relationship.

According to the report from National Public Radio, the assistant of the physician who checked both patients thought of possible sexual transmission of Zika virus between the couple. The physician's assistant then collected blood samples from both patients.

Urine, saliva and sperm samples were also taken from both patients after a few days. Even if the Zika virus is not detectable in either of the patients' samples, a thorough analysis showed that Patient B has been infected with Zika.

Patient B never went to any known Zika virus hotspot. Researchers also ruled out the possibility of Patient B getting bitten by a mosquito. Due to the cold weather in Dallas in January, the larvae of Aedes aegypti mosquito would not survive. Mosquito traps that were laid around the home of the couple only managed to get hold of different species of mosquito that are not known to carry Zika.

CDC gave their gratitude to the couple who came forward and their health care provider for reporting their case. CDC also encouraged other clinicians and public health officials to report suspected sexually transmitted cases of the Zika virus to their local health department to further understand the biology of the case.

Few days ago, CDC has also confirmed that pregnant women infected with the Zika virus has higher risk of giving birth to a baby with microcephaly.