6 Zika Virus Cases In Pune: One Pregnant Woman Tests Positive; Symptoms You Need To Know

After several Zika virus cases were detected last year in Mumbai, the Zika virus has once again struck Maharashtra. Two alarming cases of the Zika virus have been detected in Pune. Here’s everything you need to know about the Zika virus, its signs and symptoms, and how to prevent and treat this disease. 

Zika Virus Cases Detected In Pune

In close proximity to where the first Zika virus case was detected in Pune, a 35-year-old pregnant woman in Erandwane tested positive for the virus on Monday. This new case raises the total number of Zika infections in Pune to six. The Pune Municipal Corporation identified the case during their ongoing surveillance efforts, prompted by the recent surge in Zika cases in the Erandwane area over the last three months.

A doctor based in Pune and his teenage daughter have tested positive for the infection caused by the Zika virus. These are the first cases detected in Pune this year, although there were multiple Zika virus cases in Maharashtra last year. The increase in cases is primarily due to the heavy rainfall that states in Maharashtra experience during monsoons. Mosquitoes, which are the main carriers of the virus, breed extensively during the monsoon season, leading to a rise in infections.

What Is The Zika Virus?

Zika virus is a virus that mainly spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. Much like dengue and yellow fever viruses, it is a mosquito-borne pathogen and belongs to the flavivirus family. 

In 1947, the Zika virus was first identified in the Zika Forest of Uganda. It caused a public health alarm in 2015 due to an outbreak in America, particularly Brazil. It was then proven that pregnant women are at a higher risk of the Zika virus as it could affect their offspring, causing severe birth defects. (SOURCE: World Health Organization)

Zika Virus Symptoms And Signs 

Around 80 percent of individuals infected with the Zika virus don’t experience any severe symptoms. For those who do experience symptoms, the following are common signs and symptoms of Zika virus infection:

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint and Muscle Pain
• Headaches
• Conjunctivitis

These symptoms typically start 3–14 days after the infection and last up to 2-7 days. (SOURCE: World Health Organization)

How To Detect The Zika Virus Infection?

One can detect the Zika virus infection by doing an RT-PCR test of the blood or urine. However, this test is most effective when done within the first week of being affected.

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How To Prevent The Zika Virus?

No vaccine is yet available for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection. The best way to prevent Zika virus infection is to avoid mosquito bites. This includes:

• Using mosquito repellents.
• Wearing long-sleeved clothing.
• Getting rid of stagnant water.
• Staying in air-conditioned or screened-in areas.

These measures can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus. (SOURCE: World Health Organization)

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How To Treat The Zika Virus?

There is no specific treatment available for Zika virus infection or disease. People with symptoms such as rash, fever, or joint pain should:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink fluids.
• Treat symptoms with antipyretics and/or analgesics.

If symptoms worsen, patients should seek medical care and advice. (SOURCE: World Health Organization)

Image Credits: Freepik

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