World Health Organization Guidelines: Abstain from Sex After Travel

The World Health Organization (WHO) says people should practice safe sex or abstain from sex for at least 8 weeks after returning from countries where the Zika virus is present, Reuters reports from Geneva, the Patria News Agency conveys.

The recommendation, which doubles the abstinence period previously advised by the WHO, comes after scientists discovered that the virus persists longer in blood and bodily fluids than previously thought.  

If a male partner in a couple planning a pregnancy shows symptoms of Zika virus infection, the safe abstinence period should last 6 months, said World Health Organization spokesperson Christian Lindmeier.

- People should practice safe sex or abstain for at least 8 weeks if they are returning from an affected area. The previous recommendation suggested a period of at least 4 weeks, so we are doubling it, Lindmeier explained.

The new guidelines "reflect what we have had to learn about the disease caused by the Zika virus and its complications," Lindmeier added.

Asked if the new recommendation would lead to a ban on pregnancies in Brazil, where the virus appeared a year ago, Lindmeier said:

- The guidelines should postpone pregnancy or at least encourage consideration of postponing pregnancy, of course understanding that this is difficult for some populations.

The spokesperson also informed that scientists are still investigating how long the virus remains in saliva, and so far, tests have not yielded clear conclusions.

- All of this is being studied with the aim of finding out where the virus can be found and how long it can persist, said World Health Organization spokesperson Christian Lindmeier, Reuters reports from Geneva.