Concerns are mounting that the fight against the Zika virus is about to get much tougher, after a rare case of sexual transmission was reported in the U.S. state of Texas. The patient has not travelled to the affected areas, but has had sexual intercourse with someone who had returned from Venezuela.
Doctors in Dallas, in the southern United States, are advising Zika-infected patients - or those showing symptoms - to abstain from sexual contract. Or, to use protection. This, after they say they confirmed the state's first case of sexually-transmitted Zika infection.
The virus is largely believed to be carried by mosquitoes, and transmitted through bites.
But in 2009, a biologist from Colorado - who had visited Africa - transmitted Zika to his wife through intercourse, in what was the first known sexual transmission.
In Colombia, officials were already handing out condoms this week ... but in order to prevent pregnancy. Infected mothers-to-be face the biggest health risks.
Meanwhile, in South America's most populous country, Brazil - where thousands of birth defects have been linked to the virus -- President Dilma Rousseff vowed an all-out war against Zika.
"There will be no lack of funding to turn around the Zika virus epidemic and handle it in the most efficient and adequate manner we possibly can due to its effects on our population," he said.
The organizing committee for the Rio Olympics - set to start in August - said it is worried about the spread of the virus, after health officials warned pregnant woman to stay away.
"The point is making sure that we win the battle against the mosquito, making sure that the people who have already been infected, especially the women and their kids; if and when affected, get the best assistance possible. So we have to focus on the big picture," said Mario Andrada, Com. Dir. of Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Neighboring Peru declared a green alert, after its first infection was confirmed last week. Health officials there vowed to fumigate thousands of homes to combat its spread.
The sexual partner of the Dallas man had recently returned from Venezuela, where the Zika virus is known to be present. Dallas County health officials say there are no reports of the virus being transmitted locally through mosquitos. But they do say it could happen eventually.
