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Post by Maxx on Apr 25, 2016 18:25:52 GMT -8
The first positive case of Zika virus thought to be transmitted sexually within Canada occurred in Ontario, provincial and federal health officials say. Testing at the Public Health Agency of Canada's national laboratory in Winnipeg confirmed the infection. "The individual from Ontario is suspected to have contracted the virus from a sexual partner who was diagnosed with Zika virus after travelling to an affected country," PHAC and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care said in a joint statement Monday. A spokesman for Ontario's health ministry said they are not able to provide details on the specific patient's case because of privacy requirements. Bites from infected mosquitoes are the main way the Zika virus spreads. Sexual transmission is also suspected, health authorities say, and has been reported in other countries. It's not yet known how commonly Zika virus is sexually transmitted. Canada has no confirmed cases of locally acquired Zika virus through mosquitoes, and the overall risk in this country remains low. Pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy should avoid travel to countries with ongoing Zika virus outbreaks, health officials advise. www.cbc.ca/news/health/zika-1.3551916 |
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