The number of cases of Zika virus infection is increasing rapidly, which has reached a pregnant woman living in Pune, Maharashtra.
From the past ten days they are five cases reported for zika virus in Pune. The latest case is an pregnant woman from Ellandwan who is currently being treated.
“We did her ultrasound report and there was no fetal anomaly in May,” said Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, Deputy Health Officer, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). However we again asked for an update on Monday.
Two Zika cases were reported to have lived within 150 meters of this expectant mother (a doctor and his daughter).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people with Zika virus may not show any symptoms; however those that display signs would experience them over a period of between two to seven days which usually include rash, fever, conjunctivitis or red eyes muscle and joint pain malaise headache.
Why is it such a big deal when pregnant women get infected with Zika virus?
Expectant mothers should take note that if they contract Zika virus infection, it can cause serious complications both for them and their unborn children.
Pregnancy-related ZIKV infections lead to a condition called microcephaly whereby children suffer from underdeveloped heads at birth accompanied by developmental delays. This happens because the pathogen crosses placental barrier leading into direct inhibition of fetal brain growth.
In addition to microcephaly, other birth defects associated with Zika infection include eye abnormalities, loss of hearing and stunted development as well. These altercations will affect these children’s’ health and development throughout their lives.
