Get Latest Information On Zika Virus Spread In India 2024: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention Methods

The Zika virus has once again emerged as a significant public health concern in India, particularly with the recent Zika virus outbreak in Pune. As of the latest reports, at least 66 cases have been reported in the city over the past two months, including infections in 26 pregnant women, although most are in good health. While four patients have died, health officials clarified that these fatalities were not directly linked to the Zika infection complications.

The monsoon season in many regions worldwide, including India, not only provides relief from the sweltering heat but also brings many problems. One of these concerns is the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, and its symptoms can range from mild fever and rash to joint pain. Although this mosquito-borne disease is generally mild in most people, it can pose a serious threat to the health of pregnant women and their fetuses. 

In this article, we will get the latest update on the Zika virus spread in India and discuss this outbreak in detail, from history to current times. We will also explore the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures to help individuals protect themselves and their communities during this ongoing health challenge. Let’s increase awareness and work together to mitigate the impact of the virus. Keep reading to know more. 

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Zika Virus?

2. Zika Virus Spread In India 

3. Zika Virus Outbreak Worldwide 

4. Zika Virus Causes And Symptoms 

5. Treatment and Prevention Methods To Stop Zika Virus Outbreak

6. Expert’s Advice 

7. The Final Say 

8. FAQs

9. References

What Is Zika Virus?

The recent Zika virus spread in India has raised significant health concerns. ZKV belongs to the Flaviviridae family and the Flavivirus genus, a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. Along with ZKV, mosquito vectors also transmit other dangerous members of the family, such as the Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue virus, West Nile virus, and yellow fever virus.  It is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. 

The transmission cycle involves an infected mosquito biting a human, who then becomes a reservoir for the virus, allowing other mosquitoes to become infected through subsequent bites. Most people do not know that they have the disease or that they have very mild symptoms. The infection itself (also called Zika fever) is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, the greatest impact of the virus is on pregnant women and their fetuses. If a pregnant woman becomes infected, the virus can interfere with the normal brain development of the fetus.

The Zika virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1947 and has subsequently spread to many other countries. It is primarily found in South Asia, Africa, America, and the Western Pacific's tropical and subtropical regions. Since the first Zika virus case in India was documented in Gujarat in 2016, there have been intermittent epidemics in a number of states.

Also Read: Zika Virus 2024 Update: 10 Prominent Zika Virus Symptoms And Prevention Methods To Keep You Safe 

Zika Virus Spread In India 

In India, the first case of Zika virus infection was reported in Gujarat, and since then, cases of the disease have been reported in many other states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka. The 177 ZKV cases were first reported in 2016 in Gujarat (3 cases) and Tamil Nadu (1 case). 

In 2018, 159 cases were reported in Rajasthan, including 64 pregnant women and 130 cases were reported in Madhya Pradesh, making it the largest ZKV outbreak in Southeast Asia. 70 cases were reported in Kerala between July and August 2020. 

On July 8, 2021, a Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was confirmed in a resident of Kerala, a state in southwestern India. This is the first Zika virus case reported in Kerala. ZIKA V viral RNA was detected by RT-PCR test at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, from a blood sample collected from a 24-year-old female patient in the third trimester of pregnancy, a resident of Trivandrum district. 

She was brought to a private hospital on June 28, 2021, with symptoms resembling an arbovirus, including fever, headache, and body rash. The dengue virus (DENV) and the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) were not detected in the laboratory results. The mother gave birth on 7 July and is reported to be in good condition with no apparent birth defects in the newborn. She had been living in Trivandrum district for three months prior to delivery and had not travelled during this period. Among the close contacts, her mother complained of fever-like symptoms a week before her daughter's Zika V infection was confirmed.

As of Aug 2024, at least 66 confirmed cases of Zika virus have been reported in Pune, Maharashtra. Four patients who tested positive have died, but their deaths were due to pre-existing conditions, not the Zika infection. Among the infected are 26 pregnant women, who are being closely monitored and are generally in good health. Increased mosquito breeding has contributed to the Zika virus spread in India.

The first case this year was identified on June 20 by a 46-year-old doctor, followed by his 15-year-old daughter. The Pune Municipal Corporation confirmed no deaths have been directly attributed to the Zika virus, but the deaths will be reviewed by the Maharashtra government's death audit committee. 

Also Read: 5 Complications of Zika Virus Infection In Pregnancy and Symptoms Every Expectant Mother Should Know 

Zika Virus Outbreak Worldwide 

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in rhesus monkeys in Uganda's Zika Forest in 1947; it was named after its isolation from rhesus monkeys housed by British scientists working at the Yellow Fever Research Laboratory in the Zika forest region of Uganda and is transmitted primarily by the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. 

The evidence of infection and disease in humans followed in other African countries in the 1950s. Throughout Africa and Asia, sporadic occurrences of human infection were documented between the 1960s and 1980s. Just a few isolated reports of perhaps a dozen verified human cases were made during the following fifty years after the first human infection was initially reported in Nigeria in 1954. It wasn’t until 2007 that Zika made its ugly debut, infecting three-quarters of the population of Yap, a small island in the western Pacific between the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, and French Polynesia in 2013. 

The virus was confined to a narrow equatorial region of Africa and Asia until 2014 when it began spreading, first through Oceania and then into South America. Since then, millions of infections have been confirmed in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and 25 countries in America; since 2007, outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been reported in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. There have been no cases of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission in the United States since 2018. 

Zika virus infections occurring over the past decade have been found to be associated with an increased incidence of Guillain-Barre syndrome. In 2015, cases were reported in Brazil, followed by outbreaks of Zika virus disease in Central and South America and the Caribbean. The link between Zika virus infection and microcephaly was first described in 2015 when the Zika virus emerged in the United States and led to a large-scale epidemic in Brazil. 

The first locally transmitted case of Zika virus in the continental United States was identified in Florida in July 2016. From February to November 2016, WHO declared microcephaly, other neurological disorders, and Zika a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and a causal link between Zika and birth defects was soon confirmed. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been confirmed in most of the Americas and other areas where the Aedes aegypti mosquito is established. The infection has been detected in travellers from areas with active infection, and sexual transmission has been identified as an alternative route to Zika virus infection. 

Since 2017, the number of Zika virus cases has decreased globally. However, Zika virus transmission rates remain low in many countries in the Americas and other endemic regions. In addition, the first local cases of mosquito-borne Zika virus were reported in Europe in 2019, and an outbreak of Zika virus was detected in India in 2021. To date, 89 countries and territories have reported evidence of mosquito-borne Zika virus infection. However, surveillance remains limited worldwide.

Also Read: How To Prevent Dengue After Mosquito Bite? Expert Guided Insights To Stay Protected! 

Zika Virus Causes And Symptoms 

The monsoon season has exacerbated the Zika virus spread in India. Let’s have a look at how Zika virus infection is caused or transmitted and the symptoms to watch out for: 

1. Causes

The Zika virus is a kind of flavivirus, an RNA virus that is typically transmitted by mosquitoes. Flaviviruses are also the sort of viruses that cause West Nile infections and dengue fever. An Aedes mosquito carrying the Zika virus is the main source of infection.

Other transmission routes include:

• Transmission from mother to child

• Sexual transmission

• Blood transfusion

• Laboratory exposure

2. Symptoms

1. Fever: A low-grade fever, usually below 102°F (38.9°C). It is often one of the first symptoms to appear.

2. Rash: A maculopapular rash (red spots and bumps) that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. It often itches.

3. Joint pain: Pain and swelling, especially in the smaller joints of the hands and feet, sometimes accompanied by muscle pain.

4. Conjunctivitis (red eyes): Red, irritated eyes that may look similar to pink eye but without pus.

5. Muscle aches: Generalised muscle aches are similar to those seen with other viral infections.

6. Headache: Mild to moderate headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms.

7. Fatigue: General tiredness and lack of energy that may persist even after other symptoms have resolved.

8. Abdominal pain: Uncommon but may appear as a dull or sharp pain in the abdominal area.

9. Vomiting: Nausea and occasional vomiting contribute to dehydration and weakness.

10. Eye pain: Pain behind the eyes, often described as a deep, aching pain that worsens with eye movement.

Also Read: Chandipura Virus Infection: Know 7 Symptoms, Causes & Prevention Tips! 

Treatment and Prevention Methods To Stop Zika Virus Outbreak

As of right now, the Zika virus does not have a specific antiviral treatment and efforts to control the Zika virus spread in India are ongoing.  Prevention focuses on relieving symptoms and includes the following:

• In order to aid your body in fighting the illness, get lots of sleep. 

• Drink fluids to prevent dehydration, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhoea.

• Use over-the-counter pain relievers.

• Stay home, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and use mosquito nets to prevent further bites and limit the spread of the virus.

• Practice safe sex by using condoms or abstaining from sexual activity to prevent sexual transmission of the virus, especially if one of the partners is infected or has recently travelled to an area where the Zika virus is endemic.

•  Zika infection can result in significant birth abnormalities, so pregnant women should seek medical assistance if they fear they may be infected. It's crucial to get regular prenatal treatment and monitoring.

• If symptoms worsen or if there are concerns about possible complications, seek medical attention. Healthcare providers can offer counselling and support in managing symptoms.

• Public awareness campaigns are crucial to combating the Zika virus spread in India. Follow local and public health recommendations, especially during outbreaks, to minimise the risk of infection.

• While most people with Zika virus infection experience mild symptoms that disappear within a week, pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant should take special precautions because of the risk of serious birth defects.

Expert’s Advice 

Caution is advised regarding Zika virus spread in India, but people should not panic. Zika virus is not a life-threatening disease like dengue or chikungunya and is self-limiting, so there is no need to worry. Since this virus is not endemic to India, being careful of vectors and taking the same precautions as dengue will help prevent the disease. 

The most important thing is to avoid travelling to affected areas such as Brazil, Latin American countries, and the Caribbean, especially for pregnant women and women planning to give birth.

Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan 

The Final Say 

The Zika virus spread in India reminds us of the importance of increased awareness and vector control programs. While local authorities are implementing strategies to reduce the Zika virus spread in India, taking precautions and being informed and updated about the outbreak is pivotal. 

Zika virus does not usually pose a serious threat to adults or children. However, if a pregnant woman becomes infected, it can interfere with the proper development of the fetus and cause other health problems during birth. If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with Zika virus, your prenatal care provider can tell you what to expect in your particular situation. Remember that Zika virus can cause birth defects, but most children born to Zika patients do not develop diseases associated with Zika virus. 

FAQs

1. Is the Zika virus present in India?

Yes, the Zika virus is present in India. Recently, there has been a significant increase in Zika virus cases in Pune & Maharashtra on 2nd July 2024.

2. When was the first case of Zika virus in India reported?

In India, the first case of Zika virus infection was reported in Gujarat, and since then, cases of the disease have been reported in many other states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka.

3. Is the Zika virus spread in Kerala?

Yes, a Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was confirmed in a resident of Kerala, a state in southwestern India. This is the first Zika virus case reported in Kerala. ZIKA V was detected by RT-PCR test at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, from a blood sample collected from a 24-year-old female patient in the third trimester of pregnancy, a resident of Trivandrum district.

4. Is Zika spread by mosquitoes?

Indeed, infected mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, are the carriers of the virus.

References 

• https://pharmeasy.in/blog/the-laywomans-guide-to-zika-virus/

• https://www.ndtv.com/health/zika-virus-cases-in-india-know-causes-symptoms-treatment-more-5974024

• https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/zika-virus-in-india-causes-precautions-symptoms-treatment-9431820/

• https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/zika-virus-disease-india

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2030371#:~:text=India%20reported%20first%20Zika%20case,Karnataka%20have%20reported%20cases%20subsequently.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10389317/

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127657/

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus

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