Six people, including two pregnant women, have tested positive for Zika virus in Pune. According to health officials, all the patients are stable and recovering.

What is Zika virus?

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus spread primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Zika virus outbreaks, first identified in humans in Uganda and the Republic of Tanzania in 1952, have spread to countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, in the early morning and in the late afternoon or evening.

How does the Zika virus spread?

Zika virus is primarily spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

Although it is not a serious infection, if it infects a pregnant woman, it can be dangerous for the fetus.

This infection in the unborn baby can cause a brain disability called microcephaly or another neurological condition called congenital Zika syndrome.

It can also spread through sexual contact. Therefore, using condoms properly is one way to prevent infection with this virus.

Another way the Zika virus spreads is through blood transfusions. However, this phenomenon is quite rare.

What are the symptoms of Zika virus?

Zika virus infection can cause mild fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain, and headache.

Symptoms usually last from 2 days to a week.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus infection. However, the symptoms can be controlled by taking adequate rest, drinking plenty of fluids to combat dehydration, and taking certain medications prescribed by health professionals.

How to prevent the spread of Zika virus?

Preventing Zika virus infection includes reducing mosquito bites and practicing safe behaviors:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
• Stay in places with air conditioning and screened windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• If air-conditioned or screened rooms are not available, sleep under a mosquito net.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water in and around your home.
• Pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with Zika outbreaks.
• Practice safe sex or abstinence to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Aedes aegypti is also responsible for other infections such as dengue and chikungunya.