Pune Zika Virus News: As the monsoon arrives, multiple cases of mosquito-borne diseases are being reported across India. In Pune, a doctor and his teen daughter have tested positive for infection, becoming the first two cases in the city this year.
According to a report by NDTV, the health condition of the both father and daughter is stable. The doctor developed symptoms like fever and rashes and he was admitted to a private hospital.
The hospital sent his blood samples to the city-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) for analysis. On June 21, his reports confirmed that he tested positive for Zika virus infection, a health official of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said, as quoted by NDTV.
Reportedly, the doctor is a resident of Erandwane area of the city. After the 46-year-old man tested positive for Zika Virus, the blood samples of his five family members were collected and sent for analysis, and it was found that his 15-year-old daughter was also positive for the infection.
Following these two cases, the PMC’s health department has started conducting surveillance. Although no suspected cases have been found yet, the city officials have started taking preventive measures.
What is Zika virus?
Zika is a viral infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. According to Dr. Sunil Chaudhary – Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi, the disease, often referred to as Zika fever, typically presents mild symptoms and resolves without medical intervention.
Meanwhile, Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram revealed that Zika virus can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact and through blood transfusion.
“Zika virus infection can be confirmed through laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids, such as urine or saliva,” Dr. Tayal told Financial Express.com.
Who is at risk?
Dr. Chaudhary revealed that pregnant Women who get Zika virus are at high risk complications and birth defects like microcephaly and other congenital malformations as well as preterm birth and miscarriage. Moreover, travelers and are residents are also at risk if the visit endemic areas.
What are the symptoms of Zika Virus?
The symptoms of Zika virus include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Muscle pain
- Complications:
- Congenital Zika Syndrome: Birth defects.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Rare nerve disorder.
How to treat Zika virus infection?
There is no specific treatment available for Zika virus infection or disease. Dr. Tayal revealed that people with symptoms such as rash, fever or joint pain should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and treat symptoms with antipyretics and/or analgesics. If symptoms worsen, patients should seek medical care and advice. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus.
What precautions to take against Zika virus infection?
- Avoid mosquito bites (use repellent, wear protective clothing).
- Control mosquitoes (eliminate standing water).
- Safe sex practices.
- Pregnant women should avoid Zika-prone areas.
