Pune: In Pune, a concerning surge in Zika virus cases has brought pregnant women to the forefront of public health attention. Riya Dubey, in her first trimester of pregnancy, is among eight expectant mothers recently diagnosed with Zika virus in the city. What began with mild symptoms led Riya to fear the worst as she sought medical advice.
“I was anxious about Zika when I noticed the symptoms, but what the doctor explained about its potential impact on my baby was devastating,” Riya shared with Health on Air. “There were discussions about the risks to the baby’s brain development and even the possibility of pregnancy termination. It was frightening.”
Zika’s impact on pregnancy is a major concern. Dr. Samrakshini explains that Zika can cause abnormalities like microcephaly (a condition where the baby’s head is smaller than expected), limb contractures, and hearing loss. Close monitoring and early detection is essential to protect the baby.
“In the first and second trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk of abnormalities in the baby, such as limb contractures, high muscle tone, or hearing loss and microcephaly (a condition where the baby’s head is smaller than expected), and the brain growth is suboptimal in the fetus. Microcephaly gets more prominent in the third trimester. The risk of complications is high when the woman is infected with the Zika virus early in her pregnancy,” Dr. Samrakshini said.
“Close monitoring of the fetus during the early months of pregnancy helps, and calls can be taken for the termination of pregnancy based on how severe it is. There is not much awareness about the Zika Virus because it’s not commonly encountered in our country. Now that the cases are increasing, it’s better to have a high index of suspicion for this disease, so that we don’t miss any early symptoms,” she added.
Pune has reported 16 cases, with 8 pregnant women affected.
“The Zika virus outbreak in Pune is being closely monitored, with a particular focus on the well-being of pregnant women. The PMC has implemented measures like free ultrasound scans in government hospitals and is actively engaged in community awareness campaigns alongside ASHA workers. While the majority of cases present mild symptoms, we urge continued vigilance, especially for expectant mothers,” Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Medical Officer at PMC, said.
Zika virus is a vector-borne disease spread by the Aedes mosquito, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya viruses. The virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Zika virus, first identified in Uganda in 1947, has spread to other parts of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, with 89 countries and territories reporting evidence of mosquito-transmitted infection. In India, the first case of Zika virus infection was reported in Gujarat in 2016. Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks in the country.
The symptoms of Zika virus infection are mild and can be mistaken for other diseases. They include fever, headache, rashes, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. Most people infected with the Zika virus do not show any symptoms at all. There is no specific treatment for the Zika virus, but symptoms can be managed with rest, hydration, and medication. Zika virus infection can be diagnosed through a blood test or a urine test.
Prevention is key, especially for pregnant women. Some ways to prevent mosquito bites include wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, applying insect repellent containing DEET (a chemical), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, and installing window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes. Eliminating standing water around homes and public areas can also help prevent mosquito breeding.
