The Importance of Updating and Continuous Education on Imported Emerging Diseases

Dear Editor, We thank Dr. Wiwanitkit for the comment 1 on our review. 2 In his letter, the author underlined two important issues on Zika virus. First, the control of Zika virus is more challenging if compared with other arboviruses, such as Dengue or Chikungunya virus, since Zika virus is the only one that can be transmitted sexually. Moreover, the role of continuous education of the health professionals and the general population on Zika virus is a key point, since this is an emerging disease and new evidence are accumulating day by day. For example, the recommendation reported in our review about the sexual precautions for male partner has been updated once the detection of virus in semen has been reported for a longer period than previously thought (up to 188 days after symptoms onset with Polymerase Chain Reaction). 3 Currently, the CDC recommend that all men with possible Zika virus exposure who are considering attempting conception with their partner, regardless of symptom status, wait to conceive until at least 6 months after symptoms onset (if symptomatic) or last possible Zika virus exposure (if asymptomatic). 3