As India battles a sharp rise of the Zika virus cases, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to team up with them to counter the virus threat.
Prithviraj BP, additional municipal commissioner of PMC, held a meeting with the health department on Saturday. The health officials have been directed to conduct a meeting with all private hospitals, private doctors, practising obstetricians and gynaecologists to step up testing and surveillance for the Zika virus.
Dr Kalpana Baliwant, health officer of PMC, said, as per the directions of the additional municipal commissioner, a meeting will be held on Monday with all big private hospitals, general practitioners, Indian Medical Association and Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI).
“All big hospitals will be asked to direct their obstetricians and gynaecologists to monitor the pregnant women visiting their hospitals. The samples of suspected pregnant women should be sent for testing Zika virus infection to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune,” she said.
Zika Virus: Understanding Everything About The Infection
Zika virus is mainly spread through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes but can also be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.
History of the Zika Virus
First found in monkeys in Uganda’s Zika Forest in 1947, human cases were identified in the 1950s in Uganda and Tanzania. Since then, there have been outbreaks in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific regions.
The virus began to spread rapidly worldwide after a 2015 outbreak in Brazil, quickly turning into a public health emergency as it reached other Americas countries. Global travel and trade played a role in its swift expansion.
Zika Virus Infection’s Impact on Pregnancy
A major concern about Zika virus is its effect on pregnancy. Infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects like microcephaly, where babies have unusually small heads, raising alarm among expectant mothers and healthcare providers globally.
Prevention and Control
Preventing Zika virus, especially among pregnant women or those planning to conceive, is critical. Using insect repellent, wearing long clothes, and eliminating mosquito breeding areas can lower infection risk. Safe sex practices and avoiding travel to Zika-active areas are also advised.