Zika virus in Pune: Doctors list the symptoms that are often missed

Zika virus in Pune: Doctors list the symptoms that are often missed

New Delhi: Pune is currently struggling with a Zika virus scare wherein a 46-year-old doctor and his teenage daughter have tested positive for the infection. Although at present authorities say that their condition is stable, it has stirred a storm in the city. The patients who tested positive for the infection had recently developed symptoms such as rashes and fever and following the same, he was admitted to a hospital. On June 21, it was confirmed to be a case of Zika virus. The city’s health authorities confirmed that after the patient tested positive, blood samples of five other family members were taken and sent for analysis and his 15-year-old daughter also tested positive for the same.

After this case, PMC’s health department started conducting surveillance for the infection. While no confirmed cases were found in the area, precautionary measures are being taken – such as fumigation and fogging to stop the breeding of mosquitoes in the area. Along with this, spreading general public awareness about the infection has been prioritised. It is also advised to monitor the health of pregnant women in the city, particularly the area where the patient tested positive. Although the virus does not lead to serious complications, it can take a negative toll on the foetus in case of pregnant women.

What is Zika virus?

Zika virus is an infection which transmits through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitos, also known to spread chikungunya and dengue. Talking about the infection, Dr. Bhumesh Tyagi, General Physician at Sharda Hospital, told, “The Zika virus, which is mainly spread by Aedes mosquitoes, has been a serious health risk since it can infect pregnant women and result in serious birth problems in their unborn children. Although many Zika virus-infected individuals may not exhibit any symptoms, there are a few that are frequently missed or confused with other medical conditions.”

What are the symptoms of Zika virus?

The symptoms of Zika virus are:

A low-grade fever that is easily passed of as a mild illness is frequently present.
Although it can occur, a maculopapular rash—which is red, flat, and has tiny bumps—may be confused with other rashes.
Joint pain specifically in the smaller joints of the hands and feet, where it might be mistaken for illnesses associated to the joints, such as arthritis.
When conjunctivitis or red eyes occur without discharge, they are frequently misdiagnosed as allergies or other illnesses of the eyes.
Muscle aches and pains in general are typical yet non-specific.
General tiredness and fatigue may be attributed to many other conditions or daily stress.
 The Zika virus, which is mainly spread by Aedes mosquitoes, has been a serious health risk since it can infect pregnant women and result in serious birth problems in their unborn children. Many Zika virus-infected individuals may not exhibit any symptoms.  Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare