New Reports On Zika Provoke Heightened Interest In Sexual Transmission Risk

Although some have doubts about the data, experts say the reports showing women in Latin America are much more likely to be infected than men, although both are presumed to be equally exposed to mosquitoes, should prompt a new focus on how the virus is transmitted through sexual activity. Meanwhile, The Hill offers a look at how Planned Parenthood has become central to the Zika funding battle.

An outbreak of the Zika virus in the continental United States could begin any day now. But while there is plenty of discussion about mosquito bites, some researchers are beginning to worry more about the other known transmission route: sex. Intimate contact may account for more Zika infections than previously suspected, these experts say. The evidence is still emerging, and recent findings are hotly disputed. All experts agree that mosquitoes are the epidemic’s main driver. (McNeil, 7/2)

A showdown over Planned Parenthood has moved to the center of the battle over funding to battle the Zika virus. Senate Democrats [last] Tuesday blocked a Zika funding bill put forward by Republicans, objecting to a range of measures, including most prominently limits on funding for Planned Parenthood. The bill allows Zika funding for community health centers and other providers but not Planned Parenthood. (Sullivan, 7/4)

And media outlets report on the virus in the states —

Efforts to stop the spread of the Zika virus within the U.S. have been largely focused on minimizing the risk of sexual transmission of the disease by infected travelers. But the unseasonably warm weather and the expected onslaught of mosquitos are redirecting the spotlight on the perpetrators: the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos. (Johnson, 7/3)

Texas' social services czar, trying to halt spread of the Zika virus, has urged state leaders to allow Medicaid and other programs to supply free or reduced-price mosquito repellent this summer to females of childbearing age. If approved, several state and state-federal health programs would pick up the tab for about 565,000 Texas girls and women, ages 10 to 45, to receive up to two cans or bottles of repellent each month through October. (Garrett, 7/1)

Ohio will receive more than $476,000 in funding from the Centers for Disease Control to prepare for the Zika virus, the agency announced today. The funding is a piece of $25 million in national funding from the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement awarded to 53 state, city, and territorial health departments in areas at risk for outbreaks of Zika virus. (Zeltner, 7/1)

Cincinnati has registered its first case of Zika virus, in a middle-aged man who traveled to a Caribbean nation in May. That led city public health officials to caution residents at the start of the July Fourth weekend to take greater precaution against mosquito bites. (Saker, 7/1)

The number of people in Maryland with the Zika virus has grown to 31, state health officials said Friday as they reminded people to take steps to avoid contracting the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also announced that it was awarding the state $366,427 as part of $25 million in funding to support Zika prevention efforts. (McDaniels,7/1)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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