Prolonged Shedding of Zika Virus RNA in Vaginal Secretions, Nicaragua

Abstract

Zika virus, an arthropod-borne flavivirus pathogen in humans, is unusual because it can be sexually transmitted and can be shed for prolonged periods in semen. We report viral shedding in vaginal secretions for up to 6 months, indicating the potential for sexual and vertical transmission by infected women.

Keywords

• Zika virus
• viruses
• transmission
• shedding
• Nicaragua
• vaginal secretions