There are reports of increasing cases of mosquito-borne disease Zika in Maharashtra and its surrounding cities. Health experts consider it dangerous in many ways. In studies, it is considered more risky than other mosquito-borne diseases, especially pregnant women and children who may be at risk of developing serious diseases due to this infection.
Experts from ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) said that although Zika cases have been reported only in select parts of the city in Pune, the virus can spread in most areas and it is also possible that a large number of people can get infected by it. Since the investigation is low right now, the actual number is not known but its number may be high.
According to experts, most of the Zika cases have been reported in patients who have not traveled to Zika-affected areas. This makes it clear that there is a local infection of the Zika virus in Pune.
Zika cases in Pune city
According to media reports, till Sunday (7 July), 11 cases have been reported in the city. Apart from this, some cases were seen in some cities of Maharashtra. ICMR-NIE Director and Scientist Dr. Manoj Murhekar says, 'Cases of Zika infection in Pune are sporadic in different parts of the city, but this is an indication that cases of infected mosquitoes are increasing. The measures to control the Zika virus are similar to other vector-borne diseases, which all people need to show seriousness about.
Infection can be serious for pregnant women
Health experts say that Zika infection can be more dangerous than other mosquito-borne diseases. Infection especially in pregnant women and children can cause serious diseases. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the Zika virus can also spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. Infection during pregnancy can cause many types of birth defects.
Many people infected with Zika do not show symptoms, which also makes it difficult to identify the infection. The most common symptoms are fever, skin rash, headache, joint and muscle pain, and red eyes. It is very important to keep an eye on these signs.
Babies may have such problems at birth
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause congenital defects related to the brain or eye in children. Many types of problems have been seen in children with congenital Zika virus infection. Small head size (microcephaly) is the most common of these. Apart from this, children may have problems with brain development, eating problems such as difficulty in swallowing, hearing and vision problems, reduced joint movement, and muscle stiffness.
Advice to prevent infection and mosquitoes
Health experts said you can avoid Zika virus infection by protecting yourself from mosquito bites and through safe sex. The virus can survive longer in semen than in the body fluids of an infected person, so it is very important to take care of safe sex to prevent infection. Apart from this, taking measures to avoid mosquito bites and using a mosquito net while sleeping also helps in keeping you safe from this disease.
(PC: ISTOCK)
