New Delhi: Six cases of Zika virus were reported in Pune on July 1, and since then, the city has been under surveillance by health authorities since then. This also included two pregnant women who are currently stable and asymptomatic. A 28-year-old woman from Erandwane and one who is 12 weeks pregnant tested positive for the infection. However, both of them are now in a stable condition and do not have symptoms. After this, officials reported that that the Pune Municipal Corporation’s health department is taking precautionary measures like fumigation and fogging to prevent mosquito breeding.
Is Zika virus risky for pregnant women?
Zika virus is said to be particularly harmful for pregnant women and it is likely to cause microcephaly, a condition wherein a foetus is born with an abnormally small head. Zika virus spreads through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes. They also carry chikungunya and dengue.
How to protect pregnant women from Zika virus?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Neerja Goel, Senior Gynaecologist at Sharda Hospital, explained how the virus affects pregnant women and unborn babies. The expert also listed some tips to protect women from the same.
“The Zika virus has caused anxiety in a number of places because it can have serious consequences for expectant mothers and their unborn children. Test for Zika virus should be done if the couple has travelled in endemic areas. Postpone pregnancy if any of the partner has been in endemic area by using condoms. Use mosquito repellents even pregnant which are safe. Babies can suffer from microcephaly, eye problems, hearing loss and seizures. There is no treatment or vaccination only precautions have to be observed. As soon as patient is pregnant repeated ultrasound send have to carried out to diagnose physical malformations,” said Dr Goel.
The expert listed the following precautionary tips for pregnant women:
Use insect repellent that contains oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, DEET, or IR3535.
Put on long pants and shirts with sleeves.
To avoid mosquitoes, stay in locations with air conditioning and window and door screens.
Women who are expecting should refrain from visiting places where the Zika virus is still spreading.
Sexual contact can spread the Zika virus. Avoid having intercourse with someone who has visited or lives in a region affected by the Zika virus, or use condoms.
Pregnant women should have regular prenatal check-ups to monitor the health of the baby.
Report any symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes to a healthcare provider immediately.
Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as in flower pots, buckets, and containers. Ensure that water storage containers are covered tightly.
Maintain a healthy diet and take prenatal vitamins to support the immune system.
Zika virus is said to be particularly harmful for pregnant women and it is likely to cause microcephaly, a condition wherein a foetus is born with an abnormally small head. Zika virus spreads through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes. They also carry chikungunya and dengue. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
