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The Zika virus is a type of flavivirus, an RNA virus that is typically spread by mosquitoes. It is similar to dengue and is prone to cross-reactivity in diagnostic tests, complicating accurate diagnosis, especially in areas where multiple flaviviruses are endemic. The primary source and vector of Zika are Aedes mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which also spread dengue and chikungunya.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Subrata Das, head of the department of internal medicine and diabetes at Bengaluru’s Sakra World Hospital, explained, “What makes Zika distinct is its ability to spread through multiple routes, including sexual transmission, which complicates control and prevention strategies. Compared to other viruses that are spread by mosquitoes, Zika virus infection is associated with a higher prevalence of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition that causes paralysis and muscle weakness.”
“Most Zika patients have little or no symptoms, but if a pregnant woman has the virus, the fetus can be exposed to it, which can lead to serious congenital conditions such as impaired brain development and vision. Zika virus can cause fever, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis (redness in the white part of the eyes) and a rash called a macropapular rash that can be painful and consists of both raised and flat red areas of skin,” he said.
Dr. Subrata Das concludes by advising, “It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellents, sleeping under a mosquito net and avoiding places where Zika virus is common. Treatment of Zika virus is currently limited to symptomatic treatment, as the vaccine is still being developed.”
The National Institute of Virology (NIV) report confirmed that two people from Pimpri-Chinchwad area have tested positive for Zika virus infection on Friday. Apart from these, eight more cases of infection were reported in Pune district on Friday.
Of the total cases reported on Friday, six were from Pune and two each from Pune Rural and PCMC. Since July 20, 65 cases of Zika virus have been reported in Pune district, officials said.
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