Zika:: Why Gay and Bisexual Men Should Also Be Concerned

Zika is here!

The Florida Department of Health has reported confirmed local transmissions of Zika in areas of Wynwood and South Beach. Active Zika transmission affects countries in South America, Central America and territories in the Caribbean; and it only took a few months before it reached our shores.

The virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes species of mosquitoes. The infection is more serious for pregnant women because it is linked to the birth defect microcephaly (small head with underdeveloped brain). Although gay and bisexual men don't have to worry about getting pregnant, the virus can be sexually transmitted. In February 2016, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported confirmed cases of unprotected sexual transmission of the virus, from symptomatic males with Zika, to their female partners.

It is of public health importance to stop the spread of this virus. Although the focus of public health education is among pregnant or trying-to-be-pregnant women, and their male partners, we cannot under-emphasize that men who have sex with men also engage in unprotected sex and are therefore vulnerable in acquiring Zika! It is not yet known how long the virus can be infectious in the semen, but it is known that it can still be detected as long as two months after symptoms have disappeared.

First and foremost, prevention is the best intervention. Currently, there is no vaccine to acquire immunity against Zika. So, until one is developed, we should be protecting ourselves. Here are a few simple steps to help protect yourself and the ones you love.

1. Cover up. In South Florida, this may be an arduous task! Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. You can also treat the clothing with insect repellant.

2. Dusk and Dawn. Avoid outdoor activities at these times because the Aedes mosquitoes are most active. Be careful, these mosquitoes are also found in dark and cool places. They bite under your seat or feed on your ankles. Stay indoors when dining at restaurants.

3. Drain and remove any standing and stagnant water around your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs there.

4. DEET up. Use EPA approved insect repellants.

5. Close doors and windows and make sure screens don't have holes in them.

6. Cover up in the bedroom too! Use a condom during sex.

The symptoms of Zika are often mild, last for several days and resolve spontaneously, so that even those who get infected may not be aware that they have acquired it. However, it has been linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurologic condition that causes nerve damage leading to paralysis. It can also cause encephalomyelitis or inflammation of the brain and spinal cord due to a viral illness.

The most common Zika symptoms are as follows:

� Fever
� Rash (usually itchy)
� Joint pains
� Conjunctivitis ("red" eyes)
� Muscle pains
� Headache

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider right away. Zika can be diagnosed with blood or urine tests. Currently, there is no specific medicine and only supportive care to relieve symptoms.

If you have travelled to Zika-infected areas, the CDC recommends not to have unprotected sex until after eight weeks (if you do NOT have symptoms) or six months (if you have symptoms or have been infected).

You may not be in the business of procreation and making babies, but is of outmost importance that we do not propagate the virus by getting infected.
For more information, visit the following websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html

http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/zika-virus/

Dr. Alan Briones is a Hospitalist and and Internal Medicine specialist at the University of Miami Health System