Zika fears expected to lift condom demand

Zika virus may also be spread sexually, that’s why condoms’ manufacturers are expecting the rise of demand for this latex goods. Malaysia-based Karex, the world’s largest condom maker by volume says it views the spreading concern about the Zika virus as a long-term boost for demand.

Zika virus is attacking, Malaysia confirmed its first case of the Zika virus last week. The infection was diagnosed in a pregnant 27-year-old woman. Taking into account the ability of virus be spread sexually, condom makers are ready to satisfy the rising demand for contraceptives. Karex, for an instance, has already jumped the price 9.5% since early September.

Zika and dengue-fever-like viruses are transmitting via sexual contact, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s quite reasonable for men to use condoms to avoid passing the virus to their partners. The Wall Street Journal cites the CDC’s explanation:

“Although we may not see a direct increase in the immediate sales of condoms partly due to the fact we still deal mainly in b-to-b [business-to-business], the awareness that such a virus brings will further bolster long-term growth prospects of condom demand overall.”