According to a report from PTI, a 79-year-old resident of Chembur has recently recovered from a Zika virus infection, as confirmed by the Pune-based National Institute of Virology. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stated that Zika is a self-limiting disease, with approximately 80% of infected individuals remaining asymptomatic.
The patient in question began experiencing symptoms such as fever, a congested nose, and cough on July 19. He sought treatment from a private medical practitioner and was discharged from the hospital on August 2. Notably, the patient had undergone angioplasty 20 years ago and has several comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and thalassemia minor.
Causes Of Zika Virus
Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are known to bite during the daytime. Infection with Zika has been associated with various health issues in both adults and children, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, myelitis, and congenital Zika syndrome in children, characterised by limb abnormalities, high muscle tone, eye issues, and hearing loss.
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Symptoms Of Zika Virus
The majority of Zika virus cases do not manifest any symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they typically include a rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headaches. These symptoms usually appear 3-14 days after infection and can last for 2-7 days.
The BMC has advised the public not to panic and to take preventive measures to control mosquito breeding. Preventing mosquito bites, especially during the day and early evening, is crucial in preventing Zika virus infection, particularly among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, there is no vaccine available for Zika, making prevention the most effective strategy against its spread.