Amidst rising cases of Zika virus in Maharashtra, India, the central government has issued an urgent advisory to all states. The advisory stresses the need for constant vigilance, particularly focusing on pregnant women who test positive for the infection. All states have been instructed to closely monitor fetal growth in pregnant women infected with Zika. Maharashtra has reported at least seven cases of Zika virus, an Aedes mosquito-borne viral disease similar to dengue and chikungunya. While Zika is not typically fatal, it carries the risk of microcephaly – a serious condition where the head is smaller than expected in babies born to infected mothers.
Following the Centre’s advisory, it’s crucial to understand the symptoms of Zika and how to protect oneself. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people infected with Zika don’t experience immediate symptoms. However, mild symptoms typically appear 3-14 days after contracting the virus and usually last for 2-7 days. Common symptoms include:
*
Fever
*
Rash
*
Joint pain
*
Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
*
Headache
*
Muscle pain
It’s important to be aware of the potential complications associated with Zika infection. The WHO states that Zika virus infection during pregnancy can lead to microcephaly and other congenital malformations in infants, including limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities, and hearing loss. Zika infection in pregnant women can also result in complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth. In adults and older children, Zika can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis.
The Zika virus can be transmitted through various routes, including from mother to fetus during pregnancy, sexual contact, and organ transplantation. The primary mode of transmission is through the bite of infected mosquitoes of the Aedes genus. These mosquitoes typically bite during the day and are also responsible for transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and urban yellow fever.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent Zika virus infection. To minimize the risk of infection, it is essential to take preventive measures. The Centre’s advisory urges states to promptly report any detected cases to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). In Pune, two more cases of Zika have been reported, bringing the total number of cases to seven.
As mosquitoes breed in small collections of water, it is crucial to eliminate these breeding sites, particularly around homes, schools, and hospitals. Standing water in flower pots, plants, and containers should also be cleared to prevent mosquito breeding. By taking these precautions, individuals can help to limit the spread of Zika virus and protect themselves and their communities.
