Zika Virus May Spread Through Sexual Contact

BOSTON (CBS) - There are new concerns about the mosquito-borne Zika virus. A Texas patient contracted the virus through sexual contact and that is raising a lot of new questions.

Sexual transmission of Zika virus was suspected back in 2008 when a scientist infected with Zika passed it on to his wife most likely through sexual intercourse. And in 2013, the virus was found in secretions of a patient even after his blood tested negative.

Experts say it certainly may be possible to pass the virus from person to person through sexual contact but that sexual transmission is probably quite rare and that mosquitoes pose the greatest risk.

Most people who get infected with the Zika virus won't develop symptoms and for those who do, the symptoms are mild and complications are rare.

The biggest concern is the risk that the virus may pose to unborn babies, so that means protecting pregnant women or women who may become pregnant is of paramount importance.

The best way to do that right now is for those women to avoid Zika-infested areas.

As for sexual transmission, the CDC is expected to release formal recommendations. In the meantime, health officials in England are suggesting that men returning from Zika-regions use condoms for a month and that men who have been infected with the Zika virus use condoms for six months.