With the first case of human-to-human transmission of the Zika virus through sexual contact having been confirmed in Texas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new set of guidelines to help protect people from contracting the illness through the practice.

While the Zika virus has been proven to be transmissible through sexual intercourse, the health agency stressed that the illness is still mainly contracted through mosquito bites.

As of the moment, the CDC has not received reports of the virus having been passed on from infected women to their partners through intercourse.

The agency, however, is expected to update its guidelines regarding possible sexually transmitted Zika virus as soon as it receives additional information.

For Pregnant Women And Their Male Sex Partners

The CDC advises pregnant women and their partners to familiarize themselves with the different symptoms related to Zika infection, as well as to discuss the dangers of transmitting the disease to each other with their health care provider.

Those who live in or have traveled to countries where a Zika virus outbreak has been reported should regularly use latex condoms when engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex with their partners.

It is also advisable to abstain from any sexual activity throughout the duration of the woman's pregnancy.

For Non-Pregnant Women And Their Male Sex Partners

Couples who live in or have traveled to places where a Zika virus outbreak has been identified should use latex condoms during sex or to abstain from any sexual activity to prevent any possible transmission of the infection.

They can consider the following information on the Zika virus to help them decide on whether to push through with their plan to engage in protected sex or to forgo the activity entirely:

1. Illness caused by the Zika infection is often mild, with four out of five people with the virus never even developing any signs or symptoms of the disease. Patients who show symptoms of infection typically have them for a few days to about a week.

2. The likelihood of contracting the Zika virus depends on how long and how much an individual has been exposed to disease-carrying mosquitoes. It can also depend on the type of precautionary measures the individual has taken while staying in an infected area.

Researchers are still trying to figure out how long exactly the infection risk should be avoided. Women who are trying to become pregnant should consider getting tested when discussing the risk of Zika infection with their health care provider.

Photo: Mahalie Stackpole | Flickr