The state Department of Public Health on Thursday advised men who travel to countries where Zika virus is circulating to abstain from sexual activity with a pregnant partner, or use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy. 

The department said the advisory was issued after the federal Centers for Disease Control released information suggesting that sexual transmission of the virus from men to women may be more common than was known before the recent outbreak in South and Central America and the Caribbean.

Zika virus is spread to people primarily through mosquito bites.

While illness is usually mild, the possible link with birth defects and miscarriages makes prevention of infection among pregnant women essential, the health department said.

To avoid infections in pregnant women, the department recommends that men take the newly released precautions, and that pregnant women postpone travel to areas where Zika virus is circulating; and take steps to avoid mosquito bites if travel is necessary.

“With no vaccine or antiviral drug currently available to prevent infection or protect a developing fetus, it is imperative that women in any trimester of pregnancy, women who are planning to become pregnant, and their male sexual partner follow recommendations for prevention,” Dr. Raul Pino, state health commissioner, said in a news release.

Testing of pregnant women who have travelled to Zika virus-affected countries is offered by the CDC.

The state Public Health Laboratory facilitates shipping of blood samples from patients who satisfy travel and pregnancy criteria.

Thus far, 127 patients were approved for testing and 50 specimens were processed and sent to CDC, the health department said.

Results have been received for 5 patients and none have been identified with Zika virus, according to the news release.

“We are working with the CDC, obstetricians and physicians throughout the state to test any pregnant woman who has recently returned from countries where Zika is present, and I encourage any woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant and returning from one of those countries to consult with their physician to determine if testing is appropriate,” said Pino. “While we have not had any positive Zika tests in Connecticut, we remain vigilant in our monitoring of this situation and will continue to keep the public informed.”

Dr. Philip Armstrong, medical entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, said the mosquito species that is primarily responsible for transmission of Zika virus to people is not found in Connecticut.

A closely related species is found in parts of the state, however it is present in low numbers and unlikely to present a risk of Zika virus infection to people.

The CAES conducts mosquito trapping and testing from June to October and will be looking for Zika virus, the news release said.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.

For information, visit: www.ct.gov/dph/zika.