Many types of mosquito-borne diseases are a cause of concern for health experts during the monsoon days. Along with dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, cases of Zika virus are also increasing in many states of the country. According to recent reports, two people infected with the Zika virus have died in Pune. Both the deceased were 68 and 78 years old respectively and were undergoing treatment in a private hospital.

Pune Medical Corporation (PMC) said in its report that they were found infected in the sample test on Thursday, after which they were undergoing treatment. Given the increasing threat of Zika, health experts have advised all people to take precautions.

According to PMC, five new cases of Zika virus were reported, including two dead and two pregnant women. With this, the total number of Zika virus cases in Pune has now increased to 52. Among the infected is a 27-year-old pregnant woman who is 21 weeks pregnant. Her test came positive on July 30.

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Danger of Zika Virus

Health experts say that Zika virus is an infectious disease caused by mosquito bites. People with weak immune systems may be at a higher risk. People with weak immunity are unable to fight infection properly. Since the immune system weakens with age, the risk of this infectious disease has been seen to be higher in older people. Apart from this, pregnant women and children may be at risk of developing serious diseases due to this infection.

Zika and its risks - Photo: Freepik

Risk of Zika infection

Health experts say that this is a disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes. There is a high risk of its spread through sexual contact.

Infection in pregnant women and children can cause serious diseases. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the Zika virus can also spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. Infection during pregnancy can cause many types of birth defects.

Symptoms of Zika - Photo: istock

What are the symptoms of Zika infection?

To reduce the complications caused by Zika, it is important to identify its symptoms in time. Although many people infected with Zika do not show symptoms in the beginning, it also makes it difficult to determine the infection. However, the most common symptoms of infection are fever, skin rash, headache, joint and muscle pain, and red eyes. It is very important to keep an eye on these signs.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause congenital defects related to the brain or eye in children. Small head size (microcephaly) is the most common in this. Apart from this, problems like brain development of children, eating problems such as difficulty in swallowing, hearing-vision problems, reduced joint movement, and muscle stiffness can occur. 

How to prevent Zika?

Health experts said, that to prevent Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases, you must protect yourself from mosquito bites. You can avoid Zika virus infection through safe sex. The virus can last longer in semen than in the body fluids of an infected person, so it becomes very important to take care of safe sex to prevent infection. Apart from this, taking measures to avoid mosquito bites, and sing ma mosquito net while sleeping is also helpful in keeping you safe from this disease.