New Delhi: Pune has reported two fresh cases of Zika virus and has been noticing an upward spiral of infection across the city and nearby places for over a week now. According to the latest report, the total number of cases has gone up to five, including a 28-year-old pregnant woman from Ganeshnagar, Erandwane.
Before this, on June 20, the Zika virus was reported in a 6-year-old doctor from Erandwane and his 15-year-old daughter. As per reports, samples of a 28-year-old pregnant woman have tested positive for Zika and two expecting mothers have tested negative.
Zika virus is an infectious disease that affects pregnant women through the bite of infected mosquitoes called Aedes mosquitoes. It can be easily transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and even from pregnant women to the fetus in the womb. What are the risk factors for the Zika virus in pregnant women?
Dr Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune told News9, “Pregnant women who are affected by the Zika virus initially may not experience any symptoms as they start to develop 4 to 15 days after the infection. The symptoms may include rashes, conjunctivitis causing eye inflammation, mild to severe headache, and muscle and joint pain.”
Impact of Zika virus on pregnancy
Zika virus can severely impact pregnant women. According to Dr Gaikwad, “Zika virus can cause severe complications during the pregnancy making it harmful for both the mother and the fetus. It can cause birth defects such as stillbirth, premature birth, microcephaly, hearing loss, and seizures. Zika virus can significantly damage the nervous system of the fetus, affecting the functioning and development of the brain and nervous tissues.”
Preventive measures to take
Due to severe complications, it becomes essential for pregnant women to follow the necessary precautions to prevent the risk of developing the Zika virus. This can be achieved by applying mosquito repellents on your clothes before going outdoors to keep the infectious mosquitoes away. Stagnant water around the house or in the neighbourhood can encourage the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. Make sure to deep-clean your surroundings and throw out items that accumulate water such as tires, buckets, trash containers, and tanks. Also, avoid travelling to areas with existing cases of Zika virus to ensure your safety.
Zika virus is an infectious disease that affects pregnant women through the bite of infected mosquitoes called Aedes mosquitoes. It can be easily transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and even from pregnant women to the fetus in the womb. What are the risk factors of Zika virus on pregnant women? Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
