Here’s how Zika virus can impact pregnancy, cause newborn complications

Pregnant women are severely at risk of Zika virus that can lead to severe complications harming the baby in the womb said doctors on Thursday as Zika cases rise to 8 in MaharashtraZika is an Aedes mosquitoborne viral disease like Dengue and Chikungunya Although it is a nonfatal disease when contracted during pregnancy Zika can cause devastating effects on the developing foetusMicrocephaly is one of the most alarming outcomes where babies are born with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brainsldquoThis condition can result in longterm physical and intellectual disabilities It is important to note that not all babies born to women who have Zika virus infection during pregnancy will have birth defects However the risk is significant enough that pregnant women must take steps to avoid Zika virus infectionrdquo Dr Manish Machave consulting obstetrician and gynaecological endoscopic surgeon Ruby Hall Clinic Pune told IANSAccording to the doctor an infection in the first trimester appears to be the most riskyIn addition Zika infection can cause other serious conditions collectively known as congenital Zika syndrome Dr Manish saidldquoThese include eye defects like damage to the retina and optic nerves leading to vision problems hearing impairments with structural and functional issues in the ear growth restrictions both in the womb and after birth leading to low birth weight and stunted growth and joint deformities with limited range of motion in some joints giving rise to arthrogryposisrdquo he notedZika virus gets transmitted to a person through the bite of an infected mosquito When bitten the first signs are typically mild and can include fever rash joint pain and red eyes Currently eight cases of Zika virus infection have been reported from Maharashtra Pune 6 Kolhapur 1 and Sangamner 1 Of these two cases are in pregnant womenBesides affecting current pregnancy the deadly virus can also affect her future pregnancies according to experts making it a significant public health concernldquoIf a woman is infected with Zika it must be cleared from her system before she can conceive because the virus will still bring harm to the baby if one becomes pregnant while infectedrdquo Dr Kavitha Kovi Head of Department Obstetrics ampamp Gynaecology Aster Women and Children Hospital in Bengaluru told IANSldquoIf a pregnant woman thinks she might be experiencing symptoms of the Zika virus she should seek medical attention right away She should tell her healthcare provider about recent travel to an area with Zika and if she may have had mosquito bites The healthcare provider may suggest testing for the presence of the virusrdquo the doctor addedShe called on pregnant women to monitor for symptoms like fever rash joint pain and red eyes symptoms of the Zika virus and to seek medical attention right awayldquoFollowing medical advice including measures to prevent further mosquito bites is essential to minimise risk Regular checkups and discussions with healthcare providers about pregnancy management and potential risks to the baby are also recommended for optimal care and monitoringrdquo Dr Kavitha saidDr Manish asked pregnant women to take extra precautions to avoid exposure such as avoiding travel to Zikaaffected areas and protecting themselves from mosquito bitesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever