Dear Editor,
The publication on prevention of Zika virus (ZIKV) disease is very interesting.[1] Passi et al. noted that “Basic preventive measures for infection primarily revolve around traditional methods of checking mosquito populations, reducing breeding sites, and avoiding mosquito bites.[1]” The above-mentioned preventive measure is important. Nevertheless, the extension of the prevention to cover other possible modes of ZIKV transmission is needed. At least, safe sex and use of contraception are generally recommended during the highly epidemic situation.[2] Family planning is recommended for any women in the endemic area during the outbreak period.[2] There are possible rare modes of transmission which has informed the need to screen donated blood[3] and organs[4] for Zika contamination. In addition, since the ZIKV infection is usually asymptomatic[5] and can have atypical manifestation,[6] continuously updating information on disease surveillance and control will be needed. At present, there is increasing data suggesting that ZIKV might be transmitted as a zoonosis. Several reports indicating the finding of the virus in pet animal including dogs[7] and this might be a new problem to be closely monitored.
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References
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