Six people including two pregnant women infected with Zika virus in Pune
Six people, including two pregnant women, were infected with the Zika virus in Pune, according to health officials on Monday. Four cases were reported in the city’s Erandwane region, with two in Mundhwa.
The virus is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya. The virus was originally detected in Uganda in 1947.
Last night, a 16-week-old pregnant woman tested positive for Zika virus, raising the total number to six. Last Monday, a 28-year-old woman who is 22 weeks pregnant tested positive for the infection.
Two pregnant women are in stable condition, according to health experts.
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The Zika virus in pregnant women may cause microcephaly in the foetus.
Earlier, a 46-year-old doctor and his adolescent daughter tested positive for Zika virus, but their health is stable. The doctor got symptoms such as fever and rashes, so he was admitted to a private hospital.
Pune Municipal Corporation undertaking measures to curb mosquito breeding
An official stated that the Pune Municipal Corporation was taking measures to reduce mosquito breeding, such as fogging and fumigation.
“The Pune Municipal Corporation’s health department is conducting surveillance. As a precautionary measure, it is taking measures such as fogging and fumigation to curb the breeding of mosquitoes,” the official was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.
What is Zika virus?
The Zika virus is mostly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. It can also get transmitted through intercourse from someone infected with the Zika virus to their sexual partner(s).
The Zika virus can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Infection during pregnancy can result in certain birth abnormalities. Many Zika-infected people will have no or just mild symptoms. The most common symptoms include fever, rash, headaches, joint and muscle pain, and red eyes.
