WHO broadens Zika safe sex guidelinesSeptember 7, 2016 - 10:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Men and women returning from any area where the Zika virus is circulating should practice safe sex for at least six months to avoid the risk of spreading the disease, says the World Health Organization, according to BBC News. The advice applies even if a person has no symptoms. It comes a few weeks after doctors discovered the virus in the sperm of an Italian man six months after he first had Zika symptoms. Zika is spread in bodily fluids. The main risk of catching the disease is from infected mosquitoes via bites. Previously, WHO had said men without symptoms only needed to use condoms or abstain from sex for eight weeks as a precaution against spreading Zika. According to experts, once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections. Many people infected with Zika won't have symptoms or will only have mild ones - a fever, rash and muscle/joint aches. Zika in pregnancy is the major concern because the virus can damage the unborn child. Brazil has been the hardest-hit country in terms of Zika infections and there were some concerns about hosting the Olympics there for this reason. There have been no reports of confirmed cases of Zika virus among people who attended the Games, both during and since their return. According to the WHO, 11 countries have reported cases of sexually-transmitted Zika. More than 60 countries and territories have continuing Zika transmission from local mosquitoes. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |