PTC Web Desk: A 46-year-old doctor and his teenage daughter in Pune tested positive for the Zika virus, according to a health official. The doctor, who resides in Erandwane, showed symptoms such as fever and rash. He was taken to a private hospital, and blood tests sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) on June 21 confirmed Zika infection.

Following his diagnosis, blood samples from his five family members were examined. His 15-year-old daughter was also positive for the virus.  Both are currently stable.

What is the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, and other symptoms, according to the World Health Organisation. It is mostly transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which attacks during the day. 

Aside from mosquito bites, the virus can be passed from pregnant women to their fetuses via sexual contact, blood transfusions, and perhaps organ transplants.

Symptoms

• Fever (typically less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Rashes
• Conjunctivitis (which is also known as pinkeye).
• Muscle and joint aches.
• Malaise
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain

Most Zika virus symptoms are mild and short-term, but they can have serious consequences during pregnancy, creating problems such as microcephaly and other birth abnormalities.

Effects

The Zika virus can be dangerous, especially to pregnant women and their unborn babies.

• Microcephaly is a birth defect in which the baby's head is smaller than expected.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition that results in temporary muscle weakness and paralysis.
• Congenital Zika Syndrome is a condition that causes microcephaly, limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities, and hearing loss.
• Miscarriages: A Zika infection during pregnancy can result in miscarriages.
• Stillbirths: Zika infections during pregnancy can result in stillbirths.

- PTC NEWS

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