Officials: Zika spread through sex by man with no symptoms

NEW YORK – U.S. health officials are reporting the first case of Zika spread through sex by a man with no symptoms of the disease.

In earlier cases of sexual transmission, the virus was spread by someone who at some point had symptoms.

Zika is mainly spread by mosquitoes, and causes only a mild illness in most people. But infection during pregnancy can lead to severe brain-related birth defects.

READ MORE: Any kind of unprotected sex can spread Zika virus, health officials warn

Friday’s report details the case of a Maryland man who went to the Dominican Republic, where there is a Zika outbreak. He didn’t get sick but his sex partner did and recovered.

Doctors believe Zika spread from someone with no symptoms is extremely rare. They said the case is not reason enough to change health advice to couples.

WATCH: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising blood banks to start screening for the Zika virus, after two Miami neighbourhoods were declared “Zika zones.” Aarti Pole explains the new precautions being taken on the ground. 

2:38 New Zika development has expectant mothers in Florida on edge

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Report: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/