Zika virus majorly asymptomatic, can resemble dengue fever: Experts

Zika virus that recently infected five people in Maharashtrarsquos Pune is majorly asymptomatic but can resemble dengue fever said health experts here on MondayZika virus disease ZVD is a mosquitoborne disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes the mosquito which also transmits dengue chikungunya and yellow feverIt usually bites during the daytime It is usually a mild to moderate severity disease in adults and requires no specific treatmentCommon symptoms include mild fever rashes headache muscle and joint pain and inflammation of the underside of the eyelid which normally lasts for 27 daysldquoAround 80 per cent of cases are estimated to be asymptomatic though the accuracy of this figure is hindered by the wide variance in data qualityrdquo Dr Suruchi Mandrekar Consultant Internal Medicine Manipal Hospital Pune told IANSOn the other hand ldquosymptomatic cases are usually mild and can resemble dengue fever and may include fever red eyes joint pain headache and a maculopapular rashrdquo the doctor saidDr Digvijay Adke Consultant and Incharge Emergency Department DPU Super Specialty Hospital Pune noted that ldquothe rise in Zika virus cases identical to dengue is primarily owing to multiple factors including sudden weather changes followed by clogging of drains and water accumulation in the surroundings along with poor personal hygiene practices at an individual levelrdquoMeanwhile Dr Suruchi pointed out that Zika virus infection raises concerns during pregnancy as it can cause microcephaly and other brain malformations in some babiesIn adults it has been linked to GuillainBarre Syndrome GBS and is known to affect human Schwann cells that play an important role in supporting the development function and regeneration of peripheral nerves linked to movement breathing heartbeat and digestion among othersldquoPrevention involves decreasing mosquito bites in areas where the disease occurs and proper use of condoms as it can be sexually transmittedrdquo Dr Suruchi saidEven as there is no current vaccine the doctors called for efforts such as insect repellent covering much of the body with clothing and mosquito nets and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes reproduceldquoIt is advised to follow hygiene practices like regular washing of hands and refrain from consuming food from unhygienic spots especially anything that is undercooked Including nutritionally rich elements in your daily diet like fruits and vegetables helps in building a strong immune system that helps fight against such vectorborne ailmentsrdquo Dr Digvijay told IANSAlso ReadHina Khan diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer survivors speak outThis 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