79-year-old man found was infected with Zika virus
A 79 year old man from Chembur was infected with Zika virus and has completely recovered, news agency PTI reported quoting Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The infection was confirmed by the Pune-based National Institute of Virology. The disease is self-limiting, the BMC has said in a press release and has added that almost 80% of the people who have this infection are asymptomatic.
He started showing symptoms on July 19 and recovered by August 2
As per the media report, the individual had symptoms of fever, stuffy nose and cough from July 19. He remained treatment from a private medical practitioner and was discharged from the hospital on August 2. The report also adds that the patient had angioplasty done 20 years ago. He also has comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and thalassemia minor.
What causes Zika virus infection?
The infection is primarily caused by Aedes mosquito. A typical characteristic of these mosquitoes is that they bite during the day time. The disease is associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis in adults and children. Congenital Zika syndrome, which is seen in kids, is characterised by abnormalities in kids like limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities and hearing loss.
What are the symptoms of the infection?
As mentioned by the BMC, majority of the people who have this infection do not show any symptoms. But in cases where symptoms are seen, the typical signs are rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache. The signs start 3-14 days after the infection and it usually lasts for 2-7 days.
What are the complications one should be careful about?
The complications associated with Zika virus infection can have serious consequences. It causes GBS which is a serious neurological disorder. Zika infection in pregnancy can also cause complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth and preterm birth. Congenital infections associated with Zika infection is also a commonly seen complication of the disease.
Doctors worried about this nerve disorder affecting people post viral infections
How to prevent Zika virus infection?
In the release, BMC advises people to not panic and take steps to prevent mosquito breeding. "Protection against mosquito bites during the day and early evening is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection, especially among pregnant women, women of reproductive age and young children," the WHO advises. To date no vaccine is available for the disease, so prevention is the only way to stop it from spreading.