Total 5 cases in the last 10 days Zika virus Reported in Pune. The latest case, a pregnant woman, is from Erandwane. According to reports, he is currently undergoing treatment.
The woman’s sonography report in May did not report any abnormality in the fetus, but Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) deputy medical officer Dr. We sought an update again on Monday, Kalpana Baliwant told TOI.
The pregnant woman lived 150 meters away from the two Zika cases, the doctor and his daughter.
Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms; those who do have symptoms such as rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and headache, which typically last 2-7 days, say the World Health Organization (WHO).
Why is Zika virus infection a major health concern in pregnant women?
Pregnant women should use caution due to the potential for Zika virus infection to cause serious complications for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been linked to a birth defect known as microcephaly, in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head and potential developmental delays. This occurs because the virus can cross the placental barrier and directly affect fetal brain development.
In addition to microcephaly, Zika virus infection has been associated with other birth defects, such as eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and growth failure. These defects can have lifelong effects on the health and development of the affected child.
“The risk of congenital malformations following infection during pregnancy is not yet known; approximately 5-15% of infants born to women infected with Zika virus during pregnancy have evidence of Zika-associated complications,” WHO says.
Pregnant women infected with Zika virus are at higher risk for pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth. The virus can cause placental insufficiency, affecting the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, thus increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Even if a pregnant woman does not have symptoms of Zika virus infection, monitoring and screening are recommended, especially if she has traveled to or lives in an area with active Zika transmission. This helps detect possible fetal effects early and allows for appropriate medical care and support.
