Zika Virus and Pregnancy: What Expectant Mothers Need to Know About New Guidelines to Stay Safe
Pune Municipal Corporation has stepped up surveillance measures after detecting Zika virus infection in two patients from the Erandwane area of the city. Officials have issued an alert in a five-kilometer radius of Erandwane, highlighting that Zika infection can cause microcephaly in the fetus of pregnant women. Earlier, on June 20-21, Zika virus infection was reported in a 46-year-old doctor from Erandwane and his 15-year-old daughter.
For those unfamiliar, the Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transmit infections like dengue and chikungunya. A majority of those infected with Zika either remain asymptomatic (up to 80%) or show mild symptoms such as fever, rash, conjunctivitis, body aches, and joint pains. The emergence of the Zika virus outbreak has raised significant concerns for expectant mothers.
While the Zika virus was a major concern around 2016, with a significant outbreak in South America, there haven't been recent widespread outbreaks or news specifically about 3,000 caregivers. Cases have significantly declined since 2017.
some information you might find helpful:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has a Zika virus fact sheet that details the latest epidemiology update, including transmission and prevention methods: WHO Zika virus
- You can also find information about current Zika research and development efforts.