ZIKA VIRUS CASES ON RISE IN MAHARASHTRA: SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED? CHECK SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION
Amid the rising cases of Zika virus in Maharashtra, the Central government has issued an advisory to the states highlighting the need to maintain “constant vigil” and focus on the pregnant women who have been tested positive for the infection. All states have been directed to monitor the growth of fetus of expecting mothers who have been infected with zika virus.
Maharashtra has seen at least seven cases of Zika virus – an Aedes mosquito-borne viral disease like dengue and chikungunya. While it is non-fatal, microcephaly – a condition where the head is much smaller than expected in babies born to infected woman – is associated Zika.
With the Centre issuing an advisory on the Zika virus, let's explore its symptoms and how to stay safe.
SYMPTOMS OF ZIKA VIRUS:
Most people who have been infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms immediately.
Symptoms, generally mild, start to appear 3-14 days after one contracts the virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). They include:
- Rash
- Fever
- Conjunctivitis
- Muscle and joint pain
- Malaise
- Headache
They usually last for two-seven days.
COMPLICATIONS DURING ZIKA VIRUS
WHO says: “Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the infant, including limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities and hearing loss.”
Zika infection in pregnant women can cause complications such as “fetal loss, stillbirth and preterm birth.”
It can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children.
TRANSMISSION OF ZIKA VIRUS: IS IT COMMUNICABLE?
Zika virus can get transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, sexual contact and organ transplant.
It is primarily transmitted by infected mosquitoes of the Aedes genus. They usually bite during the say and transmit dengue, chikungunya and urban yellow fever.
IS THERE A VACCINE AVAILABLE FOR ZIKA VIRUS?
No. There is no vaccine available to prevent Zika virus infection.
SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED?
The Centre has issued advisory to the states, urging them to immediately report any detected case to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).
The Zika virus has been spreading in Pune, with two more cases being reported on Monday. The total cases of Zika virus now stand at seven.
Since mosquitoes breed in small collections of water, it is important to eliminate these mosquito breeding sites especially around homes, schools, and hospitals. Standing water in flower pots, plants and containers should be cleared to prevent the mosquito breeding.
2024-07-03T12:16:47Z dg43tfdfdgfd