Authorities in Brazil said Zika has been detected in patients’ saliva and urine, adding to the concern over the spread of the virus. The scientists said they used genetic testing to identify the virus in saliva and urine samples from the two patients, who had symptoms caused by Zika infection. Tests also determined that the virus was active, meaning it has the potential to cause infection.
Meanwhile, US Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended more stringent guidelines for monitoring pregnant women for Zika and for preventing sexual transmission of the virus. The updated guidelines recommend pregnant women be offered testing two to 12 weeks after returning from places where the virus has infected people. The agency had earlier suggested tests only for those with symptoms of the illness, which causes a fever, rash and red eyes.