Zika Virus alert : Health Ministry seeks screening of pregnant women

Zika virus infects 2 pregnant women in Pune, 4 more test positive; know how harmful this virus is for expecting women 

Zika virus in Pune: As cases continue to rise, Health Ministry issues advisory.

As Zika cases are going up in Maharashtra, with two pregnant women testing positive, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory asking states to screen expecting women and monitor the growth of their foetus, which bears the brunt of the virus attack.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne pathogen, like dengue, and spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. A public health alarm has been sounded because the virus results in birth defects. Babies are born with microcephaly, abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains.

About Zika Virus ;

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that was first identified in monkeys in Uganda in 1947 and later in humans in 1952. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

1. **Transmission**: The main mode of transmission is through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus, through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and possibly through organ transplantation.

2. **Symptoms**: Many people infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are generally mild and can include fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Symptoms usually last for several days to a week.

3. **Complications**: Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects such as microcephaly (a condition where a baby’s head is smaller than expected) and other neurological disorders in infants.

4. **Diagnosis**: Diagnosis is based on symptoms, travel history, and laboratory testing (usually a blood or urine test).

5. **Prevention**: Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites (using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using screens or nets), practicing safe sex (using condoms), and taking precautions against blood transfusion and organ transplantation transmission.

6. **Treatment**: There is no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus infection. Treatment is generally supportive and includes rest, fluids, and pain relievers.

7. **Epidemiology**: Zika virus outbreaks have occurred in various parts of the world, including Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas. Travelers to affected areas should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

In recent times, while Zika virus has become more prominent in the media, it remains an important public health concern, especially for pregnant women and those planning pregnancy. Public health efforts continue to focus on surveillance, prevention, and research into vaccines and treatments.