First Zika Virus case reported in Maharashtra. Symptoms, prevention, cure - Here's all you need to know

Amid the fear of the coronavirus third wave and delta plus variant, the threat of Zika virus is looming over Maharashtra.

The state reported its first case of the Zika virus from Belsar village in the Purandar district of Pune. The infection in the patient is mild and no other member of his family has developed any symptom of the infection. However, it also came to light that the woman was also infected with Chikungunya.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, the emergence of the Zika virus has added to the pressure on the health surveillance system which is already on high alert.

Meanwhile, officials in Maharashtra have urged people not to panic and said that the woman, who was diagnosed with Zika infection, has completely recovered.

How does the Zika virus spread?

Zika virus spreads through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This is the same mosquito that is known to transmit infections like dengue and chikungunya.

Although the virus is said to be transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, it has also been shown to be sexually transmitted to some extent.

Symptoms of Zika Virus

Doctors have suggested that many people infected with the Zika virus will not have symptoms or will only have mild ones. Symptoms generally last for two to seven days. The incubation period of Zika virus disease is estimated to be three to 14 days.

Some common symptoms include,

Fever

Body ache

Conjunctivitis

Redness and swelling of the eyes

Headache

Skin rashes

Muscle and joint pain

Origin of Zika virus 

The Zika virus was first found in Uganda's Zika forest. At that time, the virus was said to have entered humans from monkeys. The Zika virus was first reported in 1952.

Meanwhile, the first case of the Zika virus was reported in India in 2017 in Gujarat and later in Tamil Nadu. Large outbreaks took place in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh later in 2018.

Treatment/Prevention for Virus

Experts say that there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

As per a UN health agency, people with symptoms should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines.

Moreover, it is advised to give special attention to prevent mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children.