- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maharashtra: Six cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Pune city, health officials said on Monday. The patients include two pregnant women, they said. Notably, Zika virus in pregnant women may cause microcephaly (condition in which the head is significantly smaller due to abnormal brain development) in the foetus.
"A 28-year-old pregnant woman from the Erandwane area was detected with Zika virus infection. Her reports came positive on Friday. Another woman, who is 12 weeks pregnant, was detected with the infection on Monday. The condition of both women is good and they have no symptoms," an official said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
"The first case of Zika virus infection was reported from Erandwane when a 46-year-old doctor's report returned positive. After that his 15-year-old daughter's samples also tested positive. The other two cases, of a 47-year-old woman and 22-year-old man, are from Mundhwa," the official said.
The Zika virus disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transmit infections like dengue and chikungunya. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947.
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"The Pune Municipal Corporation's health department is conducting surveillance. As a precautionary measure, it is taking measures such as fogging and fumigation to curb the breeding of mosquitoes," he added.
Pune Zika Virus News: Symptoms
Symptoms of Zika infection are generally mild, with fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, headaches, and conjunctivitis being the most common. However, the real concern lies in the potential complications, as Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, as well as other neurological disorders in the baby, which may manifest as the child grows.
Zika Virus Cases In Pune: How To Diagnose
To diagnose Zika, healthcare professionals recommend the RT-PCR test, which is most effective when conducted within a week of the onset of symptoms. After this timeframe, the test may not be as reliable.
Zika Virus: How To Prevent
Preventing Zika virus transmission is crucial and the best approach is to avoid mosquito bites. This includes using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, eliminating stagnant water sources and staying in air-conditioned or screened-in areas. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant are often advised to postpone travel to regions with active Zika transmission.
Additionally, practising safe sex (using condoms) can help prevent sexual transmission of the virus and blood screening and testing can reduce the risk of transmission through blood transfusions.
Pune Zika Virus Cases: Treatment
While there is no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus, the illness is self-limiting and requires only symptomatic treatment. Paracetamol for pain relief and fever, rest and hydration are the recommended management strategies. Pregnant women who may have been exposed to Zika must be closely monitored for potential birth defects.
