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New CDC guidelines addressing doctors’ care of patients who haveZikaor at-risk for the virus reveals that it can be transferred through any type of sex.

The guidance also highlights that an infected woman – not just a male – cantransmit the virus.

Further, the CDC’s recommendations on patient counseling related to the Zika virus include that at-risk pregnant women now have up to a two-week window to undergo a blood test for the disease after beginning to show symptoms. Initially, the suggested timeframe was just seven days. The CDC says that any pregnant woman who suspects they may have been exposed to Zika be tested.

Zika has been linked to a range of birth defects, includingmicrocephaly, and brain and eye abnormalities.As of July 14, the CDC said that 400 pregnant women in the U.S. have shown evidence of the virus, thePittsburgh Post-Gazettesaid. Last month, three babies were born in the country with the virus, and three more died before birth because of the defects.

In early July, an elderly Utah man became thefirst confirmed person to diefrom the virus, after being hospitalized for a high fever, rash and joint pain.

The most common symptoms of Zika include conjunctivitis (red eyes), rash, fever, joint pain and headache. There are currently no vaccines to treat or prevent the virus.

Several athletes, coaches and members of the Olympic committee staff are actually serving as subjects in a study of the virus.

In order to avoid being bitten this summer, here is a list of the best bug sprays for warding off the zika-spreadingAedesmosquitos, according toConsumer Reports:

Each of the top picks contains a different key ingredient: picaridin, DEET and a derivative of eucalyptus. DEET, an active ingredient in many insect repellants, has been used since the 1940s. According to theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DEET is safe for pregnant women and young children.

And here’s the best way to use mosquito repellants, per the CDC:

Protecting your home from mosquito populations is also important. Remember toget rid of standing water. Birdbaths, flowerpots and clogged gutters all make for excellent mosquito breeding grounds.

source: people.com