Zika Virus Cases Surge in India: Causes, Symptoms, and Precautions

The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, especially for pregnant women and their unborn babies.

The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, has become a significant global concern in recent years due to its ability to lead to serious health complications, especially for pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Zika virus is mostly found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia, and the Western Pacific. The first cases of Zika virus infection in India were reported in Gujarat in 2016, and since then, the country has had occasional outbreaks in several states.

Recently, there has been a significant increase in Zika virus cases in Pune, and Maharashtra. The central government issued an advisory on Wednesday, July 3. A 55-year-old woman in Pune has been confirmed to have the Zika virus, bringing the total number of cases to seven. As of July 2nd, 2024, the city has reported a total of eight cases from Pune, Kolhapur, and Sangamner.

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The government has told states to be more careful. They should check pregnant women for Zika and follow the babies' growth if the women have Zika. If they find any cases, states should tell the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and NCVBDC.

Zika virus can be spread through mosquito bites, sex, and breastfeeding. A type of mosquito called Aedes species, which can also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses, can transmit the Zika virus through biting during the first week of infection.

The virus can be transmitted through sexual contact, leading to severe birth defects and other pregnancy complications. Pregnant women can also pass the virus to their children, but the exact timeframes vary due to the virus staying longer in semen than other body fluids. While the Zika virus has been detected in breast milk, the risk of transmission through breastfeeding has not been confirmed.

Reports of laboratory-acquired Zika virus infections have been made, but no cases have been found in healthcare settings in the United States. Brazil has also reported Zika virus transmission through platelet transfusions.

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Zika virus can still be present in certain human cells and tissue-based products, like umbilical cord blood, gestational tissues, and reproductive tissues, even months after the initial infection. As a result, individuals may need to delay donating blood and tissue after having Zika.

Symptoms of Zika virus

Most people with Zika may show no symptoms or only have mild ones. According to the CDC, a common symptom of Zika is:

• Fever

• Rash

• Headache

• Joint pain

• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

• Muscle pain

Zika shares symptoms with other mosquito-borne viral infections like dengue and chikungunya, typically lasting for several days to a week. Many of the cases don't require vaccination.

Precautions and prevention of Zika virus

To prevent infection, use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use window screens indoors and outdoors to control mosquitoes.

After returning from a Zika risk area, prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks. Both males and females should use condoms or avoid sex for 2 to 3 months. Pregnant women and their partners should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and consider postponing travel to areas with active Zika transmission.

Treatment of Zika virus

While there are no specific medicines to treat Zika virus infection, symptoms can be managed with supportive care from health professionals. Rest, stay hydrated, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, and avoid NSAIDs. Pregnant women should seek immediate medical attention, as such no provided antivaccine is available, and research is ongoing.

Zika virus is a public health concern in India, with sporadic outbreaks reported. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for protection. Prompt medical attention and adherence to recommended precautions are essential for managing and containing the spread of the Zika virus in India.

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