A total of 5 cases in the last 10 days Zika virus Reported from Pune. The latest case is a pregnant woman from Erandwane. According to reports, she is now undergoing treatment.
Although the mother's ultrasound results submitted in May showed no abnormalities in the fetus, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) deputy health officer Dr Kalpana Baliwant told TOI that they had again sought an update on Monday.
The pregnant woman lived 150 meters away from two people infected with the Zika virus (a doctor and his daughter).
Most people infected with the Zika virus do not have symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), those who do have symptoms typically have rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache that last between two and seven days.
Why is Zika virus infection a major health problem for pregnant women?
Pregnant women should be cautious because Zika virus infection can cause serious complications for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been linked to a birth defect called microcephaly, in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and potential developmental delays. This happens because the virus can cross the placental barrier and directly affect fetal brain development.
In addition to microcephaly, Zika virus infection has been linked to other birth defects, including eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and growth retardation. These defects can have lifelong effects on the health and development of affected children.
“The risk of birth defects following infection during pregnancy is not yet known. Approximately 5 to 15% of infants born to women infected with Zika virus during pregnancy have evidence of Zika virus-related complications,” WHO said.
Pregnant women infected with Zika virus are at higher risk for pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth. The virus can cause placental dysfunction, which can affect the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, which can negatively affect pregnancy outcomes.
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Even if pregnant women do not show symptoms of Zika virus infection, monitoring and screening are recommended, especially if they have traveled to or live in an area where Zika virus is actively transmitted. This allows potential effects on the fetus to be detected early so that appropriate medical care and support can be provided.