Zika Virus Update: Maharashtra Records 8 Cases, Government Prompts Health Screening Of Pregnant Women

In 15 days, the state of Maharashtra records 8 cases. 12 more blood samples of pregnant women have been sent for testing. Government issues health screening of pregnant women as a priority.

Zika Virus in Maharasthra: The state recorded a total of 8 cases in a span of 15 days. Among the, 6 cases are from Pune and two are from Kolhapur and Sangamner. According to reports by the state government to the media, the rate of the spike in concerning. In an attempt to curb the spread, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory to all the states in the country. They state that heightened vigilance is now a priority. The Ministry also issued health screenings of all pregnant women by healthcare facilities in the affected areas as a priority. 12 blood samples of suspected Zika cases from pregnant women have already been sent for testing, more must be conducted. Pregnant women are the most vulnerable because Zika can cause birth defects in the foetus.

What is Zika Virus?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Zika virus transmission takes place through the infected mosquitoes of the Aedes (Stegomyia) genus , mainly Aedes aegypti. They are the most common in tropical and subtropical regions like India. These are the same mosquitoes which also spread chikungunya, dengue and urban yellow fever and they bite during the day.

Symptoms of Zika Infection

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Zika virus symptoms are a lot more severe in the US than in India. However, in India symptoms may not show up in patients initially. In fact, most people may not develop symptoms at all. This makes it more dangerous. People who do develop symptoms, they show from day 3 and continue till day 14. The symptoms are typically mild with: fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, headache and conjunctivitis. They typically last for 2 to 7 days.